Gazza the genius! NEW
The sublime skills, tears and heartbreak behind England football legend Paul Gascoigne…
Paul career Gascoigne full of dizzying had a highs, crushing lows, wild antics and unbelievable goals. Few footballers have captured the imagination of England fans quite like the player who was affectionately nicknamed Gazza.
Big break
The story of his spectacular career and troubled private life is told in a two-part documentary which begins with Paul impressing for his hometown club Newcastle United, before signing for Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 21.
‘I was in the car on my way to sign for Manchester United when someone from Spurs called me and offered to buy my mum and dad a house,’ says Paul. ‘I had a tough upbringing and always wanted to look after my family, so I told the driver to take me to Spurs!’
This move then pushed him into the spotlight and he was soon making headlines with his drinking sessions and love of pranks. Yet this week’s first episode also tells how Paul was the star of the England side that made it to the 1990 World Cup semi-final against West Germany. ‘When I see clips of Italia 90 I feel great, then immediately sad,’ he explains. ‘It was the best time of my life. I didn’t care who we were playing, I knew I could get the better of them.’ Paul’s tournament ended in heartbreak, however, when he famously broke down in tears after receiving a yellow card that meant he would miss the final.
‘The ref went to his pocket and suddenly I couldn’t hear anything,’ explains Paul. ‘I couldn’t hold it back and at that moment I just wanted to be left alone. I was devastated.’