Paul Gascoigne talks about a moment in his life

Paul Gascoigne has spoken of his “down” moment.

The former England midfielder has been open about his struggles with alcohol and mental health over the years.

In a new interview with The Sunday TimesGascoigne, 58, hit rock bottom in 1998 when he contemplated suicide in Stevenage after a four-day drinking binge in Ireland.

At the time, he was struggling after failing to make England’s squad for the second World Cup. These feelings were reinforced by the death of his best friend from acute alcohol poisoning when they had been drinking together. In an investigation, it was found that this friend was suffering from heart disease.

Although Gascoigne had previously been portrayed as an alcoholic in the press, the former footballer said his alcoholism did not become severe until the late 1990s.

“I was demonized for drinking in the press a few times, often unfairly,” he says, “but the truth was things didn’t get that bad for me until the late 1990s, when I hit the ground running.”

The night he contemplated suicide, he called his wife, Cheryl, to “talk to me.” Gascoigne committed suicide at Marchwood Priory Hospital in Hampshire.

Cheryl and Gascoigne married in 1996 and divorced in 1998. Cheryl later published her memoirs in 2009. Strong: My Life Lives GazaWhich explains their violent relationship. Gascoigne pleaded guilty to domestic violence against his ex-wife.

“I will always be sorry for the pain I caused,” Gascoigne said. The Times In a new interview

Gascoigne and Cheryl have three children, including Regan, 29, who won the 2022 season. Dancing on ice. He is also the adoptive father of Mason and Bianca, born to Cheryl and her first husband Colin Kyle.

Earlier this year, Gascoigne was hospitalized in July. the sun He reported that he was found “semi-conscious” at home by a friend in Poole, Dorset.

At the time, his rep said: “Paul voluntarily went to A&E on Friday after struggling with a sore throat for some time. He is now back at home and doing well.”

Gascoigne played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers during his career. He helped England reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96.

If you’re feeling depressed, or struggling to cope, talk to Samaritans on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email [email protected]Or visit: of the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch

If you are in the United States and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis line available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to that country www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you