English footballers donate to keep Paul Gascoigne in alcoholism rehab
According to English newspapers The Daily Mail and The Sun, several current and former footballers have donated money to keep troubled former football star Paul Gascoigne in a rehabilitation facility in Tucson, Arizona in the United States.
Arsenal midfielder Wilshere has apparently donated £5,000 to keep the former Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers and Lazio striker in care after he suffered a bad reaction to the detoxification programme he underwent at the clinic.
NORTHAMPTON, UK – JAN 31: Former England football player Paul Gascoigne at a recent after dinner charity event function held at the Park Inn Hotel.
‘Gazza’ was immediately rushed to hospital, where doctors say he is stable and recovering.
Speaking to The Sun, Wilshere said:
“He changed football and was an inspirational player. I grew up watching my dad’s videos of Gazza and Italia 90. I want to do anything I can to help him at this challenging time.”
Chelsea skipper John Terry also expressed support for the former England international, who is widely considered to be one of English football’s brightest talents of yore. He said, as quoted in The Daily Mail:
“In Italia 90, Gazza became mine and the nation’s hero. His performances and pride made him stand out and I enjoyed watching him play while I was growing up. Let’s all help one of England’s greatest ever players on the road to recovery.”
Several other current and former footballers, including Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney, Liverpool heartbeat Steven Gerrard and England’s second-highest all-time goalscorer Gary Lineker have all contributed funds towards Gascoigne’s welfare. Lineker sent his wishes to the troubled legend via social media networking site Twitter.
Psychotherapist Dr. John McKeown, who has worked with Gascoigne for close to ten years, released a statement, saying:
‘Following reports today I feel it’s appropriate to bring people up to date on Paul Gascoigne’s condition. Paul has experienced severe complications with his detoxification. This is not unusual for someone who has been drinking as heavily as he has.
‘Paul was transferred from the US Clinic Cottonwood to a local hospital to be monitored so as to be completely satisfied that there are no other complications to his health. ‘He is still receiving that care but the hospital has reassured me that he is up and about walking. There are no fears for his life. We will aim to keep everyone concerned updated on a regular basis.’
Gazza’s former team mate Gary Mabbutt confirmed what the psychotherapist said:
‘He was transferred to hospital in intensive care where they could monitor him 24-7. But I spoke to Paul’s medical team in the UK this morning, they had spoken to Paul and he’s recovering and hopefully soon he will be back into the clinic to continue his rehab.
‘Over the years he has had a lot of support from the football family, but of course it could be a long road to recovery. Now Paul’s asked for the help we can focus on getting through this.’
Gascoigne shot to international fame with his exploits for the national team during the 1990 Word Cup in Italy, where he set up three goals and played in a fearless, gung-ho style that was later dubbed ‘Gazzamania’.