Football icon Paul Gascoigne has exclusively revealed that Hollywood A-lister George Clooney has personally challenged him to a game of pool, with the proposed match set to take place at Gazza's beloved local club in the North East.
From Lazio to Lake Como: The Unlikely Connection
The fascinating link between the England football legend and the Hollywood superstar was forged through a mutual acquaintance. A bodyguard who protected Gascoigne during his playing days at Italian club Lazio three decades ago later took up employment with Clooney.
This connection facilitated a direct phone conversation between the pair. George Clooney, 64, who owns a property on the shores of Lake Como, reportedly reached out to Gazza, 58, after hearing about his prowess on the pool table.
The Challenge is Issued
In an interview promoting his new memoir, titled 'Eight', Gascoigne recounted the moment to the Mirror. "George Clooney wants to come to Dunston Excelsior to play pool," he stated, before adding with a smile, "But I still have to play him."
He elaborated on the unexpected call, explaining, "I was in London and Johnny [the former bodyguard] called and said: 'I have someone who wants to speak to you.' I said: 'Who?' And he said 'George Clooney.'" According to Gazza, the actor's message was clear: "He said ‘I hear you're a good pool player. I am going to come to your local to challenge you.'"
A Rolodex of Star-Studded Encounters
This potential showdown with Clooney is just the latest in a long line of remarkable meetings for the Geordie star. Over the years, Gascoigne has shared stories of his interactions with a diverse array of global figures.
His past encounters include Hollywood royalty like Dustin Hoffman, music superstar Robbie Williams, the late Princess Diana, and broadcaster friends like Chris Evans and Danny Baker.
Perhaps one of the most memorable was with former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Gazza recalled the surreal moment in 2008 when Tyson, then 41, turned up at his family home in Gateshead. "I could hear a man outside shouting: 'Gazza, are you in?' in an American accent," he said. "When I opened the bedroom window, there was Mike Tyson standing in the street." The pair ended up going out to celebrate Gazza's birthday, with the footballer quipping, "It was handy as you don't get into any trouble with Mike Tyson."
His pool history is also international. While playing for Middlesbrough in 2000, he visited Libya and played a game with a son of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to inaugurate the Great Man-Made River Stadium in Tripoli.
Family First at Christmas
Separately, Gascoigne opened up about his family's supportive approach during the festive season, given his well-documented struggles with alcohol addiction. He makes a 700-mile round trip from his flat in Poole, Dorset, to Gateshead to see his mother Carol, 82, and siblings.
"The family does not drink around me, so I have to shoot off and just let them get on with it," he explained. After exchanging gifts, he heads back south, a taxi journey costing around £900. His typical presents include slippers, a dressing gown, wine gums, and Brut aftershave—a nod to a past advertisement—from his mother.
Paul Gascoigne's memoir, 'Eight, The Real Gazza', is on sale now.
