Paul Gascoigne has admitted he will "never stop drinking" and would rather "die as Gazza" than give up alcohol completely. The former England midfielder made the stark confession during a candid interview about his ongoing battle with alcoholism.
The 58-year-old Gateshead-born star became one of England's most gifted footballers during spells with Newcastle United, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton. He earned 57 caps for England between 1988 and 1998, scoring 10 international goals and helping the nation reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96.
Continuing struggles
Gascoigne's life off the pitch has been marked by well-documented battles against alcoholism and depression. He continues to relapse despite multiple stints in rehabilitation centres over the years.
"I have not changed, I cannot change, I would not know how to change," Gascoigne told the Daily Mirror. "I will probably die as Gazza. But I have nothing to hide. The whole country knows what I have done now."
No regrets expressed
Despite his struggles, the former midfielder insists he has "no regrets" about his life choices. "I have had a great life, travelled the world, had everything money can buy," he said.
Gascoigne said he has long accepted his public image and compared his situation to other former footballers who have battled alcohol problems. "Jimmy Greaves stopped drinking, but that is Jimmy Greaves," he said, referring to the former England striker. "I am not Jimmy Greaves and I am not George Best."
The footballer explained his relationship with alcohol is not driven by hatred or trauma. "I don't get drunk because I hate my mum and dad or I hate the public. It is not about that. I do it for the sake of it," he said. "I might regret it. But I don't think about yesterday, I don't think about tomorrow. I just think about today and live for today."
Gascoigne is set to release a new book titled "Eight", in which he promises to reveal the "real Gazza" for the first time.
Sources used: "Daily Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
