Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been hospitalised after being found collapsed at his home by a friend.
The Sun report that Gascoigne was found semi-conscious in the bedroom of his home in Dorset by a close pal.
The 58-year-old was subsequently taken to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, but has now been moved to an acute medical unit and is in a stable condition.
Steve Foster, who found Gascoigne, said in a brief statement: ‘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.
‘Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now.’
While the circumstances surrounding his collapse are not yet known, the former Tottenham midfielder is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.
Gazza’s health has long been of concern due to his well-documented struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health problems.
Speaking earlier in the year, however, the former Tottenham midfielder issued a positive update surrounding his heath.
‘I feel better now than I have in years,’ he told The Mirror ahead of the release of his latest book, Eight.
‘I hope I am at a point that I can look back over everything I’ve gone through with a different, more positive, perspective.
‘After so many years in the spotlight, I feel like it’s time people got to know the real me.’
Gascoigne most notably played for Newcastle United, Tottenham, Lazio, and Rangers during his club career, but it was his time with the national team for which he will be most fondly remembered.
Capped 57 times by the Three Lions between 1988 and 1998, he was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals at Italia 90, famously breaking down in tears on the pitch after losing to West Germany.
Six years later at Euro 96, Gascoigne again made headlines with his iconic solo goal against Scotland as England, on home soil, made it to the semi-finals again before losing to Germany on penalties.
Gascoigne was later overlooked by Glenn Hoddle for England’s World Cup 1998 squad and ended his international career with ten goals to his name.
At club level, he also had stints at Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Boston United and Chinese club Gansu Tianma before retiring in 2004.
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