The images released this weekend showing Paul Gascoigne bloodied and bruised were pretty heartbreaking.
The former England midfielder was one of the most talented players in world football at one time but has struggled with alcoholism since hanging up his boots.
It was believed that the former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers star had been dry for around half-a-year but it was clear that ‘Gazza’ had had a major relapse.
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The Sun newspaper showed him looking extremely cut up, stumbling from a taxi whilst holding a bottle of gin. It was really sad to see.
Shortly after the images emerged in the media, A1 Sporting Speakers, who represent Gascoigne, wrote on Facebook:
"Paul has had a bad week. This photograph is of him at 8.10 this morning. The Sun photos were bad but this is two days later, he wasn't admitted to hospital as they said in their interview. He went home where he is recovering. He told me he's been working out and getting stronger and he is determined to get back on track.”
And now, Gascoigne has finally broken his silence on the images by posting a thank you message via A1 Sporting Speakers.
It reads:
"Hi everyone,thanks so much for all your support. u would think they would leave me alone but it is good sometimes being famous. I've done really well for 11 mths , I have one blip and I get hammered for it. I'm back on track now. I'm not perfect and don't want to be either but I am trying my best always. I love YOUS all
lots of love GAZZA X"
The photo shows Gascoigne wearing a large pair of sunglasses with his face looking remarkably better than the images a few days ago.
Gascoigne previously admitted that he realised he was an alcoholic as early as 33-years-old when he was confused when he woke up at 5am after a night out still wanting another drink.
He also revealed he had been attempting to use a fortnightly treatment of a compound derived from niacin, the vitamin found in Marmite.
"For the first time in months, I woke up at 6am, I felt happy and excited, energetic, and ready to play a football match,” he said recently, per the Mirror.
Hopefully Gascoigne is being honest when he states that it was just ‘one blip’ in his road to recovery and that he is well and truly back on track.
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