For many football fans, Paul Gascoigne isn’t just a name—they remember him as “Gazza,” the gifted midfielder who captured England’s heart in the ’90s.
But for years, his name has also been linked to heartbreaking battles off the pitch.
Now, at 58, Gascoigne is turning a new page and offering fans a hopeful glimpse into where he is today—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Feeling Better Than Ever After a Tough Journey
Speaking to The Mirror, Gascoigne shared that he feels better now than he has in years.
After decades of grappling with alcohol addiction and mental health challenges, he says he’s finally in a place where he can look back at his experiences with a clearer, more positive mindset.
“I hope I am at a point that I can look back over everything I’ve gone through with a different, more positive, perspective,” he said.
“After so many years in the spotlight, I feel like it’s time people got to know the real me.”
A New Book That Tells His Story Through “Eight”
Gascoigne is also preparing to share his life in a new way—with a book titled Eight.
The name is a nod to the shirt number he famously wore throughout his football career.
But it also goes deeper: he explains that “eight” represents the number of emotional highs and lows he’s endured in his life.
The book promises to give fans a raw and personal look into his battles, victories, and everything in between.
Reflecting on His Public Struggles and Painful Headlines
Gascoigne’s struggles haven’t been hidden from the public eye.
His life has often played out in painful tabloid headlines.
His marriage to Sheryl, which ended in divorce in 1998, was scarred by allegations of domestic violence.
His brief stint as Kettering Town’s manager in 2005 lasted just over a month, with his drinking cited as a major issue.
Financial troubles followed too—he faced a bankruptcy petition in 2008 over an unpaid £200,000 tax bill after failing to submit returns for two years.
In 2011, though still owing £32,000, he managed to avoid being declared bankrupt.
A History of Addiction That Started Long Ago
Gascoigne’s issues with alcohol stretch back decades. He first sought therapy in 1998.
In 2010, he was arrested for drink driving and ordered to attend rehab, receiving an eight-week suspended sentence.
That same year, he made headlines again when he bizarrely showed up at the police stand-off involving fugitive Raoul Moat, claiming to be his friend.
In 2015, he received a restraining order for harassing an ex-girlfriend and assaulting a photographer.
It’s been a long road, marked by setbacks and public missteps—but also by resilience.
Looking Back at a Brilliant but Turbulent Career
Before the chaos, Gascoigne lit up football fields across Europe.
He earned 57 caps playing for England between 1988 and 1998 and enjoyed club stints with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, and Everton.
His skills, passion, and unpredictability made him a fan favourite—but also someone whose personal life often overshadowed his football brilliance.
A Recent Appearance and a Renewed Outlook
Last week, fans saw a glimpse of the old “Gazza” when he appeared during a special tribute to outgoing Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
It was a reminder of his iconic status in English football—but more importantly, of the person behind the headlines.
Today, Gascoigne is taking steps to reclaim his story.
With a clearer mind, a sense of peace, and a new book on the way, he’s inviting people to understand who he really is.
What’s Next for Gazza?
Gascoigne’s new journey is less about fame and more about honesty.
For those who’ve followed his story—through the glory, the grief, and the gossip—this latest chapter offers something refreshing: hope.
Whether you’ve admired him for his talent or watched his struggles with concern, it’s heartening to see him reclaim his life, on his own terms.