'I was dead' says Gazza

Reflection ... Paul Gascoigne admits he was in a bad place. Source: Scott Heppell / AP

Troubled England football star Paul Gascoigne has revealed he thought he was dying after his latest spell in rehab.

Gascoigne told UK tabloid The Sun "I thought I was on my way out" after he heard doctors at his bedside conclude he was about to die.

The star, who has battled alcohol addiction for years, was being treated at a clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

He was flown there when fears for his health grew after images were published of him looking unwell at a charity function in England last week.

A group of close friends, including former England teammate Gary Lineker, organised for him to fly to the US treatment center. He fell ill at the clinic after reacting badly to a detox program, according to people close to the former England midfielder.

"Three doctors didn't think I would make it," Gascoigne told The Sun.

"It has got to inspire me to never let this happen again. I've come through that - death. I was dead."

He added: "I thought I was on my way out. I looked like a corpse. I was a total wreck."

Gascoigne, known as "Gazza" to his fans, scored 10 goals in 57 matches for England, helping the team reach the semi-finals at the 1990 World Cup and European Championship in 1996. At club level, he played for a number of teams including Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton.

Since quitting the game in 2005, he has faced alcohol and mental health problems.

"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," said Gary Mabbutt, a former teammate of Gascoigne's at Tottenham, who first revealed that "Gazza" had been admitted to hospital.

"Now Paul's asked for the help, we can focus on getting through this."

View the original article here