Former England and Tottenham midfielder Paul Gascoigne was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night after being found collapsed at his home in Dorset
England football legend Paul Gascoigne was rushed to intensive care after being discovered collapsed at his residence by a friend. The 58 year old is now reported to be in a stable condition and on the mend.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United midfielder was found in a semi-conscious state in his bedroom in Poole, Dorset, as per The Sun's report. He was taken into intensive care but has since stabilised and is recuperating in an acute medical unit.
Steve Foster, the mate who came upon Gazza, stated: "He would like to thank everyone for the support he's received so far from so many old friends who wish him well and want to see him back to his best."
Foster, who transported Gascoigne to the hospital, commented: "Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now."
It is anticipated that he will stay in the hospital for a number of days, reports the Mirror.
Gazza is one of the nation's most cherished sporting figures, having risen to prominence during the '80s and '90s.
Emerging from the youth system at his hometown club Newcastle United, he made his first-team debut in April 1985. He netted 25 goals in 104 appearances for the Magpies before transferring to Spurs.
At Tottenham, he played a pivotal role in their 1991 FA Cup triumph and spent four years with the club before joining Lazio. His career also included stints at Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Burnley.
However, it was with the England national team that Gazza truly endeared himself to fans across the country. Making his international debut in September 1988 under manager Bobby Robson, he became an integral player for England, notably during their journey to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
After receiving a yellow card against West Germany, which would have ruled him out of the final, Gary Lineker signalled to the bench that Gascoigne was becoming emotional in one of football's most iconic moments.
In the end, England were defeated on penalties and didn't reach the final, resulting in Gazza shedding tears on the pitch as he kissed the badge on his shirt and acknowledged the cheers of the travelling fans.
He was also a member of the England team that made it to the semi-finals of Euro 96 on home turf, once again losing to Germany on penalties. His goal against Scotland in the group stage is one of the most memorable in Three Lions history.
However, he was controversially left out of the 1998 World Cup squad for France by Glenn Hoddle, bringing his international career to an end with 10 goals in 57 appearances.