The older generation of football fans will remember Paul Gascoigne for what he was, an enigmatic, naturally talented footballer who had the world at his feet. Anyone too young to see Gazza at his best will probably know him as a more tragic figure, thanks to his well-documented struggles with alcohol and mental health. Here, we've put together some things that you might not know about him, including his net worth and his daughter.
Early life
Paul Gascoigne was born 27 May 1967 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. He started his career at Newcastle United as a schoolboy before becoming a professional footballer with the club in 1985. He came from humble backgrounds and his early life was spent sharing a single room in a council house with his family. Unfortunately, when he was ten, the brother of his friend was killed while buying an ice-cream with Gazza. This left him traumatised and left him wracked with guilt. He suffered from insomnia and a gambling addiction, the latter of which led to him taking to shoplifting to fund his habit. Paul was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001, and has also suffered with obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and bulimia.
Life after Newcastle
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Gazza joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1988 for a record British fee of £2.2 million, and the team went on to win the FA cup. The then went to join Lazio and then Rangers where he picked up more trophies. He then came back to England where he played for Middlesbrough in the Premier League and then Everton. He later had spells at Burnley, Gansu Tianma in China and non-league side Boston United before retiring.
This year Gazza was seen playing for Tottenham Hotspur during the Legends test event match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
Gascoigne's good will
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In 2013, Gascoigne sought help for his troubles with addiction at the £6,000-a-week Meadows rehab centre in Arizona, which he claimed saved his life. After Ant McPartlin revealed he was struggling with issues, Paul attempted to crowdfund his time in rehab. A source close to Gazza told The Daily Star: "Paul claims this is the place that saved his life. He truly believes that had he not attended here, he would have died."
Paul also donated £1,000 ($1,368) to an appeal that was raising money for a teenager's stolen speech machine. While Miya's family were overwhelmed by the football player's generosity, it touched the hearts of a lot of other people, too.
Net worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Paul Gascoine's net worth sits around £83k ($100k).
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Who's his daughter?
Bianca Gascoigne is the daughter of Sheryl Gascoigne and the adopted daughter of Paul. She was born on 28 October 1986 and is a reality TV star who appeared on Love Island.
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Featured Image Credit: PA / InstagramTopics: SPORT, UK News, Celebrity, Football, sports news, Interesting, Net worth