England legend

Drama surrounding Paul Gascoigne: “I’m a sad drunk!”

He was one of the greats in soccer, always with a brilliant idea in mind, always on a first-name basis with the ball and he earned millions - but instead of spending his retirement in dignity and prosperity, Paul Gascoigne lives as an alcoholic at the bottom of society! The former England star has now spoken openly about his alcohol addiction and why he sees himself as a "sad drunk" ... 

He had everything that makes an outstanding footballer: technique, body, intelligence, creativity and a dash of genius or madness. To a certain extent, Gascoigne's madness was also evident in his private life, especially when it came to alcohol.

Numerous arrests and stays in rehab clinics
However, the now 56-year-old 57-time England team player only got out of control after the end of his active career - numerous alcohol-related arrests and stays in rehab clinics were the result. A few years ago, he even had a type of "pellet" implanted in the lining of his stomach to make him feel unwell when he came into contact with alcohol. However, nothing really seems to have helped him ...

"Drink something to cheer me up!"
He is now de facto homeless, lives in his agent's guest room in the south of England and often drinks alone at home, he revealed to the "High Performance" podcast. "I used to be a happy drinker, but I'm not anymore. I'm a sad drunk who drinks indoors instead of going out." If he's feeling really bad, "then I'll have a drink to cheer myself up". And soccer? He hardly watches it anymore because he misses it too much ...