Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne said he is “back on track” after experiencing a recent “blip” in his ongoing struggle with alcohol.
The 48-year-old footballer was photographed with cuts to his face, appearing to carry a bottle of alcohol and being accompanied by a police officer last week.
Following reports in The Sun newspaper that the former England Star had relapsed last week, his agents, A1 Sporting Speakers, confirmed he was not admitted to either hospital or rehab.
In a message posted by his agents on Facebook, Gascoigne thanked his fans for their support and clarified the past week's events.
“Thanks so much for all your support. u would think they would leave me alone but it is good sometimes being famous. I've done really well for 11 mths, I have one blip and I get hammered for it. I'm back on track now,” he wrote.
“I'm not perfect and don't want to be either but I am trying my best always. I love YOUS all.” (sic)
Last week, his agents also released a statement correcting alleged reports of his relapse.
“The Sun photos were bad but this is two days later , he wasn't admitted to hospital as they said in their interview. He went home where he is recovering. He told me he's been working out and getting stronger and he is determined to get back on track.”
In the summer of last year, Gascoigne told BBC Radio 5 live that he realised he was an alcoholic at the age of 33.
“I didn't know what was going on. Why did I wake up at 5am and want a drink? It was not normal. People want to know if there is any medication they can take when they have an illness and it was a relief,” he said.
The former Tottenham, Newcastle and Rangers player retired from football in 2004 and has played for England a total of 57 times in his iconic career.
