Football icon Paul Gascoigne was visibly moved during a live appearance on Good Morning Britain, where he issued an emotional health update and apology. The 59-year-old former England midfielder, who played for the national team from 1988 to 1998, joined presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls on the ITV show on Wednesday, June 10, to discuss his latest autobiography, Paul Gascoigne: Eight - The Real Gazza.
Emotional Health Update
Susanna Reid began the segment by recalling Gascoigne's previous appearance on the programme in October, where he spoke candidly about his ongoing battle with addiction. She noted that he now says he feels the best he has felt in five years. Gascoigne then provided a health update, stating: "Everything's going well for us. It's probably the happiest I've been in about five years, definitely, you know."
When asked what was bringing him joy, he replied: "Just in general, you know. The weather's changing and [I] went and did a bit of fly-fishing and got deals with the book coming out... Things are looking up. I'm quite happy, you know."
Tears Over Book's Impact
During the discussion about his book, Gascoigne fought back tears as he considered the possibility of helping others who are suffering. "A lot of people have come up [to me] and said they've read it and [it's] saved their life," he said, pausing to compose himself. He continued tearfully: "If that book can save one person's life, then I've done my job," before adding with a quip: "I think I should read it myself, you know! Do myself a favour."
He went on to explain his daily mindset: "Every morning, I don't think about tomorrow because that's another day. I just try to keep it in the day, keep it simple. Some days I find it hard." The football legend grew emotional once more towards the end of the interview, saying, "If [the book] saves someone's life, then I'm happy." He wrapped up by apologizing: "Sorry about that... The last time I cried was in the World Cup! But I'm in a good place."
Viewer Support
Following the interview, ITV viewers took to social media to express their support. One person wrote: "Good to see Gazza looking better." Another added: "Gazza looking well on #GMB," while a third commented: "Could listen to #Gazza all day long." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment: "Gazza gets emotional as he talks to ITV about alcohol addiction and his new book. Good to hear that he's off the booze and happy," while another viewer confessed to having "tears in my eyes" upon seeing the beloved star looking so well.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
