Paul Gascoigne fought back tears as he opened up about his sobriety and how discussing his own struggles helped others battling addiction. The 59-year-old football legend, known for his World Cup heroics in 1990, detailed his battles with alcohol and drugs in his candid book, Eight. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, he became emotional speaking about the paperback release and the response from readers.
Emotional Response to Book
Choking up, Gascoigne said: 'It's not about football - a lot of people have come up and said they've read it, and how it saved their life. If that book can save one person's life, I've done my job.' He quipped to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls that he should read it himself, insisting he was the 'happiest I've been in about five years.'
Struggles with Addiction
Gascoigne, known as Gazza, spoke candidly about his low moments, including his addiction to Red Bull. 'I was going to the gym, I needed a few Red Bulls. I'd do the gym and I was tired so needed a few more to keep myself going throughout the day, then I'd have some more to go to the gym again. Eventually I was having 30 cans a day - I was sitting in an AA meeting, doing the Lord's prayer. Nonstop, that was it. I just got on a plane and went to Arizona for rehab.'
The withdrawal was horrific: 'I thought trees were dinosaurs … It was terrible. I sat on a rock for four days, didn't move, just said good morning and goodnight. That's all I did.'
Current Sobriety
Sharing an update, he said: 'I don't think about tomorrow because that's another day. I just try and keep it in the day, keep it simple. Some days I find it hard. I just think, 'Just work on that today' and I get through the day. I don't try to think weeks ahead because I never know. I don't know about tomorrow, all I know is I'm safe today.'
He added: 'I've learned a lot. I'm glad of these issues, I used to wake up and think, 'What's wrong today?' When I found out, that helped a lot. I realised the issues I did have and what I have to work on. It used to be a battle every time I woke up, a big battle. But now it's easier. I get up, I have a coffee, I know what I'm going to do that day and I try and plan the day ahead, but not tomorrow, because I don't know… I keep it in the day.'
Final Emotional Words
Becoming teary again, Gascoigne concluded: 'I'm pleased about the book because it's helped a lot of people, and it's helped me doing it as well. I was exhausted doing it. I'm in a good place, it's the best I've felt in years. Like I said, if it helps somebody, if it saves someone's life then I'm happy.'
He added: 'The last time I cried was in the World Cup… I'm in a good place.' Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk.
