http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_3640957,00.html

Paul Gascoigne has been put under psychiatric care.

It's awful to see this happen to him, at his peak he was one of the most gifted players of his generation. He shone at Italia 90 - He was a hero to me (and most other English kids around that time) He shot to fame for his tears in the Semi Final of the World Cup (having been booked for the second time he would have missed the final) but he was much more than a "Lovable Geordie Clown"

The world was at his feet, in 1991 he was subject of a multimillion pound deal from SS Lazio to take him to Rome. However on the eve of the deal in the 1991 FA Cup Final, Gazza lunged at Gary Charles of Nottingham Forest in a reckless challenge. It was to be the beginning of the end, Gazza had ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee and through this and a combination of personal demons, he would never be the same.

He brought English television attention to Italy's Serie A (that still continues) but he was shipped back to British shores where he experienced a trophy laden spell with Glasgow Rangers - Gazza occasionaly flickered with brilliance (his goal against Scotland in Euro96 for example) but moves to Middlesbrough and Everton never gave him the spark.

Unfortunately Gazza became alcoholic and fought a long battle with the bottle, which a couple of years ago he seemed to have won. His book in particular provided insights into his personal demons and his efforts to overcome them.

So now he's under mental supervision and I'm sure I echo the sentiments of the football community when I say "Get well Gazza"

I second that mate. What a mess the poor guy is in. Hope he comes through it.

The guy is just a kid at heart. It seems almost certain he's going to be drifting in and out of things until it pushes him into an early grave :(

There was a documentary about footballers and retirement on the BBC in 2005, his testimony in it was so touching and gripping. Gave a true insight into how the man feels.

I just hope he can find some form of happiness in the future.

every football genious is crazy in some way, sad to see, he was magic on the pitch

Have you all read his book? Amazing insight into his mind.

aint read his book.. but man thats some sad news :(

wish the guy well !!

I second that mate. What a mess the poor guy is in. Hope he comes through it.


shame really :(

I read somewhere that Mike Tyson wants to give him some counseling....

Bad idea...

One of my favorites. :(
I hope Gazza pulls this one through.

This isn't really quick fix... I'm sure he'll be "okay" again soon enough, but if he's overall depressive about his life which seems to be case we just have to hope he keeps trucking.

I'd love to see him turn it around and come back to the game in some form, he has so much experience to share and could help bring young players through - and help them avoid what happened to him.

Perhaps Paul Gascoigne's story is the biggest self destructive waste of talent in football, Best won a European Cup for example. Gazza's talent deserved to be displayed at one of the super clubs in Europe, like Madrid or Milan, Juve or Manchester United etc.

To see him in that World Cup Semi Final in full flow is to remind us of what should have been for the one called "Gazza"

From what I remember reading 2 months ago, Tyson apparently helped Rooney with some mental issues (post WC '06?) and also believes that his personal experiences (outisde the boxing ring) and counselling would be useful to this guy.