Paul Gascoigne On How He Overcame His Darkest Moment

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In our first ever High Performance Originals episode, Jake and Damian spend a day with football icon Paul Gascoigne. This all-access conversation takes an intimate look into Paul’s life, shedding light on the real man behind ‘Gazza’, the persona that captivated the country. Jake and Damian traveled to Poole to join Paul in his manager’s house, where he is currently living.
Paul begins by recounting moments from his childhood where his extraordinary football talent was recognised at the age of seven. He discusses the trauma that resulted from watching his childhood friend Keith die in his arms, and how this continued to affect him into adulthood. Paul shares that as a teenager, he promised his family that they would never have to work again, showing his determination and strong sense of responsibility.
Jake and Damian look back at the defining moments of Paul’s football career, his biggest transfers and most important lessons. Paul offers an insight into his commitment to excellence on the field, and reflects on some of the most memorable moments in English football throughout the 90s.
They also explore his history with addiction, how the problem developed, and how he’s striving to stay sober today. Paul’s manager, Katie, joins the conversation to describe his day-to-day life, the biggest struggles and the amazing improvements she has witnessed.
Our first High Performance Original is a profound exploration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring spirit of an English sporting great.
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#Gazza #PaulGascoigne #Newcastle #Tottenham #Lazio #Chelsea #Rangers #PremierLeague #Euro90 #Euro96 #England #GaryLineker #ManUtd

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

What is your favourite Gazza moment? 🤔

[@pabloman6138]

Playing the flute 🪈 🎶 🇬🇧

[@Salacious-Crumb]

Goal against Scotland 96

[@crazyaboutfooty]

All of Italia '90 to be honest!

[@garethroblyn]

Flute 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Dr75532]

Scotland 👍

[@DagzD]

I once walked past Paul standing outside of the hotel opposite Newcastle Train Station. I did a double-take not sure if it was him, and carried on walking. After a few minutes thinking about it, I turned around and walked back. I had to. I didn't want to bother him, but I knew I might not get another chance to meet him. I walked up to him, offered a handshake and said, "Paul, you're an absolute legend mate". He looked up, laughed and said, "Cheers mate", shook my hand, and off I went. It made my day. I told everybody I knew I'd just met Gazza. Legend.

[@TheTelblackwell]

Quality

[@Hoxton66]

Done the same in London, when i was in traffic driving, I saw gorge best, I stop in the middle of the road got out cars blowing there horns, I sake he's hand, probably a year before he passed 😢

[@CS-mo7xp]

​@@Hoxton66did you exchange insurance details?

[@FordPrefect-tr8fb]

56 years old but looks very close to 70. Poor lad, he's a good-hearted soul, just took some wrong turns.

[@elijaprice]

As a former drunk myself, he's right when he says not drinking is easy - you just don't put that thing into your body, whether it's alcohol or cigarettes or whatever. The difficulty is in living with yourself sober, never getting your brain to quiet down. He's one of those guys where you feel for him so much, because I don't know I've ever heard anyone say a bad word about him. Everyone loves him.

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

That's what the steps are for. If you do them properly they change your thinking.

[@saintetienne755]

To watch someone suffer and then be ridiculed is awful. My brother is alcoholic and it's devastating At the bottom of it all is terrible sadness

[@adambartlett6277]

His speach has definitely improved since the last interview i saw with him. Wish him all the very best

[@chrisnewman4537]

My 8 year old son and I met Gazza yesterday, he was lovely. Signed his shirt and stood for a photo and had a short chat. Absolute gentleman and my childhood hero.

[@lifeevent88]

Fake story

[@chrisnewman4537]

@@lifeevent88😂

[@BOYKILLSWRLD]

@@chrisnewman4537this dude is prolly not older than 18😂

[@forestgman]

Was that before or after he beat his wife

[@John-vw3lr]

Keep off the Drink Gazza all the best to you … from a Celtic fan.

[@stuainslie4674]

Probably the most naturally talented footballer to grace these shores imagine how good he would be today with sports science etc..😢

[@yidoroberts8134]

WOW !!!!! Gazza what a man you are, and before i die i need to shake your hand and say to you thankyou . when i had my kids they ask who's Gazza i made them sit and watch KZbin and said thats Gazza. Stay strong xx

[@TheIkaraCult]

We've had some great players from England, Moore, Charlton, Matthews, and the rest. But Gazza was truly special, he could do things that nobody else could.

[@3PBC]

This has completely made my day. It’s the most lucid and engaging I’ve seen Gazza in interviews since his playing days. To get on top of such a challenging disease as alcoholism and be back to being an entertaining, quick-minded and interesting guest on your show is incredibly impressive.

[@foyble]

Paul Gascoigne was the perfect example of what can be achieved with talent and energy. His achievements were somehow stitched together with poor decision-making, and lack of self-control. He is a perfect example of how things can go so well and so badly in someone’s life. If you have talent, look after it.

[@nikitakatenga1565]

Very well said

[@andyb9576]

Paul Gascoigne is a perfect example of what can be wasted, If you have the talent he did....

[@TheIkaraCult]

Gazza was the man in his time, in spite of everything we still love him

[@Badlighter]

At his peak, he was better than most other premier level footballers. And to be a premier footballer is like 1 in 1 million chance. I hope he remains as happy and healthy as possible now his elite footballing days are over.

[@kb5509]

He didn't play in the Premier League at his peak.

[@Marley999888]

The guy clearly just means at his peak he played at the highest level in English football and was better than most...old division 1 and the Premier League are the same thing anyway just different era's...the point is valid.

[@iLoveBeingDelusional4U]

Geeez he looks like 77, he's 56, am also 56 and an ex alcoholic, drank heavily for 14 year's and kept it a secret. I just quit 4 months ago, I'm glad I managed to stop.

[@danstevens5296]

Gazza is a legend - what people forget is the bloody newspapers wanting interviews leaving Bottles of drink at his door

[@chrissilvester5663]

Gazza has always been one of me fave footballers. An absolute icon in the game was such a supremely talented player an absolute joy to watch

[@RichB008]

A hero of mine. God bless you Gazza 🙏

[@mick3765]

Thanks for the memories Gazza, no matter what happens, YOU are a legend.

[@nellski2004]

Love Gazza just hope he remains well and happy

[@anthonyforgione7514]

Addiction, mental health issues has taken a real toll on him. But, you’ve got to admire who he is now. Health and happiness Gazza

[@bennyjbenham]

Gazza has always been one of my fave players, all the best for the future from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@PST101]

Damn. Never thought I'd see Gazza looking like this already. To think, he was the kid in the team in 90, yet looks twice Lineker's age today. As long as he's in good health and looking after himself going forwards. Wish him the best.

[@jamieculverston]

This deserves way more views... Gazza is an absolute national treasure!

[@bowerbootcamp1120]

He will always gave a special place in my heart my idol growing up ❤

[@perryedwards4746]

Smashing!!

[@saz9170]

One of my hero’s despite all of his problems, great player and agree with the comments that if he went to Man U Sir Alex would of kept him on the straight and narrow and kept him away from all of the parasites that were Gazza’s so called mates back in the day. I wonder where Jimmy 5 bellies is these days? When is the full interview coming?

[@MrLadiesman216]

Met him at a book signing back in 2003,nice bloke,he’s lucky his agent is keeping an eye on him,probably can’t be trusted to live alone in case he does something crazy.

[@craigbailey79]

Glad too see Gazza looking better these days had the privilege to meet him in milton keynes years ago while he was playing football. Absolute legend love u Gazza 🤝🏻

[@paulb3883]

Have to disagree, think he looks pretty bad and way older than his age, sad to see as lovely bloke

[@garfieldsobers4188]

Comment below sadly disagreed with your comment then Ended with lovely bloke 😂😂. He was one of best footballer's I seen in flesh...up there with Rudd Gullit..Kenny dalglish...Ravenelli.. to name a few x

[@anUntouchable]

😂 bro he looks so bad what planet are you on!!!!

[@Revolver1981]

I thought he was found battered and bruised outside a hotel recently?

[@paulb3883]

@@garfieldsobers4188 Lovely bloke and looking a mess two different things

[@calumanderson6857]

Lovely just to see Gazza smile :)

[@garryoverton2637]

God love yer Gazza 🙏🏽 You’ve given us all a head full of happy memories x

[@forestgman]

He gave her wife a head of black eyes

[@captaincook6666]

I was there at Wembley '96. Thanks Gazza.

[@cryptogcrypto]

"daft as a brush" doesn't mean he's stupid. It mean's he's kind and generous.

[@crazyaboutfooty]

Loved watching him at Lazio!

[@Rivelino824]

Guy was earning 6 million a year in 1990 ends up in a spare bedroom. Great player wish him all the best.

[@kb5509]

Gazza wasn't earning anything close to that. He was maybe on twelfth of that, and probably less.

[@Rivelino824]

@@kb5509 Around the time he went to Italy with endorsements he was earning 6 million a year.

[@kb5509]

@@Rivelino824 lol no he wasn't. Sol Campbell signed the first £5m a year contract in the Premier League when he went to Arsenal 10 years later after the Premier League came into effect, Gazza was not earning more than that with endorsements in 1990. Liverpool's best players in the mid 90s were only on £15k a week.

[@bluerhythmboy]

Downloaded app to watch full version. But surrending personal details to sign up isn't enough. You have to pay a hefty subscription fee also. Its a shame. Wouldve been a great watch but can't afford it :(

[@CoolMikey81]

Yeah i know its bad..especially if you haven’t got the money or just wanna watch it for Gazza

[@mmcc8022]

There was players ..but there is gazza unbelievable player

[@Shdjdjxbdksk]

Whens the full episode?

[@SittingBearProd]

It’s remarkable how liver damage gives all its victims the same look 😢

[@nadeemmohammed6652]

Legend great player had so much talent shud av been best of the world Gazza keep fighting life is struggle nothing is easy in life

[@Dr75532]

Brilliant footballer & genuine nice bloke ❤

[@lulaboo2746]

So sad, from the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows.

[@bazjr86]

Looking well gazza!

[@joshuabensusan2541]

When is the full Ep going to be on KZbin?

[@Mary-po4ti]

Love you Paul....x

[@andrewclarke3738]

I love him, keep him safe

[@leeturton9254]

Still the most talented footballer I've seen to put on a England shirt...he was just different..he played like he was from Brazil or Argentina... and now we have another in jude Bellingham.. but that's how rare these kinds of players are in England...why aren't we producing more on a regular basis?

[@michaelcotton928]

Wish you good health mate.

[@chrisburton4128]

Best player in the world in 91

[@mjh5437]

Maradona

[@pjoseph5950]

Gazza

[@themanftheworld8439]

​@@mjh5437Maradona was past his best then.Gazza wasnt.

[@kb5509]

He was the best player in England for 1 season, when English football was worse than its ever been. He wasn't anything near as good as the likes of Van Basten, Matthaus and Guliit. Yiu could even make a hood argument he wasn't the best English player at the time, considering Chris Waddle was the best player on the best team in Europe.

[@toonnut1]

What a class player he was! And Toon legend

[@quokkapirquish6825]

One of the most entertaining footballers of our time. Loved his sense of humour too and he remains humble to the day. I imagine after all that adulation as a player, it must be a hard step to come down to normality - maybe why pop stars end up on fentanyl

[@MathewParker-by4nx]

A brilliant and talented player, could have been one of the best ever but totally flawed mentally. Unfortunately he won’t get any better, it will be a struggle for him for the rest of his life.

[@stevewilson]

Where can I view the rest of the interview

[@paulwilliams7070]

Legend

[@whoami1654]

I often wonder what he would be like in this day.

[@Vault-tecworkshop]

Where’s the full episode?

[@PedroThai]

legend

[@CM-eg3gl]

He's a good woman looking out for him there who has his best interests at heart.

[@deathbystereo-]

Such a likeable guy.

[@user-kc4nz8es4z]

Not arsed how good he was that haircut is criminal

[@brucewayne8172]

Where is the full podcast

[@kdburner7356]

So where can you watch the full podcast?

[@garrinchasuperskillz]

on the app - which'll cost you £8.50 a month! shame, would've liked to have seen the whole thing..

[@kdburner7356]

@@garrinchasuperskillz ffs🤦🏻‍♂️

[@kdburner7356]

@@garrinchasuperskillz ole Gunnar Solksjaer done an interview on the overlap, that’s quite good if you haven’t seen it.. and free lol

[@kb5509]

​@@kdburner7356People dont work for free.

[@mediterraneandiet2483]

A lot of pain and self destructive habits may have been avoided if Paul had received counselling for his serious childhood trauma.

[@rmanS2C]

What happened to him as a child?

[@lfc9671]

Здоровья Газзе!

[@andydixon2980]

He just kicked a ball about for a few years and did it well, that's all. People hold him in such high regard but all that money he's earned and pissed away I find it hard to feel sorry for him. We all have problems to deal with. Find a 2nd career for yourself Gazza and give your life meaning.

[@chiselcheswick5673]

People hold him in high regard because he entertained football fans and gave us special memories. There is lots more to it than just kicking a ball about. It is such a shame and a waste to see him go the way he has gone.

[@CS-mo7xp]

that's all? this is football we're talking about, not dry stone walling.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@CS-mo7xp The first dry stone waller to be signed for a million pounds is due to happen in 2040. The floodgates ( or gaps in the walls) will then open as money enters the market and things will never be the same.

[@CS-mo7xp]

@@eightiesmusic1984would need to be a rock solid midfielder with a knack for chipping away at the opponent's defence.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@CS-mo7xpAgreed. Dry stone walling is one of the most futile activities invented by humanity compared to kicking a bag of wind around a patch of grass. As long as this perspective is maintained and its practitioners do not let it go to their heads it is high time dry stone walling occupies its rightful place in bread and circuses to keep the masses distracted. Like the boasts about English football being the best in the world, it is only a matter of time before it will be a truism that the best dry stone wall building can only be found in this green and pleasant land.

[@Rulledius]

Love you Gazza🖤🤍

[@user-uf6sk4uw9c]

❤gazza

[@user-qw1tr1bn3h]

Shame , probably the greatest England player ever , and a top lad , love ya gazza !!

[@kb5509]

Hes definitely not.

[@seandoughton6588]

Where’s the full version of this?

[@Partoftheratpack]

On their app

[@shadowxxxyt9589]

56 years old….😢 Be lucky to get 60….

[@andyhello23]

Gazza and paul merson in the same team must of been a nightmare for the manager, as bryan robson found out Both great players, but they must be a nightmare to handle The skill gazza had was amazing, he just picked the wrong clubs to play for Always thought it was a shame that when he left lazio, that keegan did not bring him back home to newcastle Would of been nice to see keegans team with gazza in it, the way keegan played, and let gazza do what he does back then I always believe it cost newcastle not bringing him home to his home town The geordies would of loved to have seen him play under keegan Gazza should of went back to newcastle to play infront of his fans, who treat him like one of there own, the geordies would of loved to have seen him play for them. Keegans biggest mistake not buying him from lazio, and he went to rangers instead. Keegan could of built the team around gaza

[@SydPeppa]

7:45 😂😂😂

[@neillatham7381]

It is sad what's happened to him but he's a hero in my view for his football, a working class lad who really didn't have the support players do now, just look at Grealish who pranged his range rover and left the scene. If Fergie would have got him maybe he'd be different.

[@garfieldsobers4188]

Every ground he played in.. personally reckon he had part of the ground giggling with him..😂

[@dillondudgeon3037]

A magical footballer ✨ ⚽ a genius ⭐

[@albert_barese]

Gazza top geezer

[@Strider1122]

90's England!

[@NurseJanice]

❤

[@rangers666666]

I love Gaza is a top man🙏

[@user-zi7zt1bf9r]

He's not changed one bit ,he looks exactly the same as he did when he was 19 .

[@alanlittle3941]

You're kidding? He's lost around 5 stone and has had loads of plastic surgery. He was normal looking at the Toon

[@briangavin6252]

you need to go get your eyes tested if you think that

[@liammcmonagle7828]

Ha ha ha ha ha. You need your eyes tested. He looks like a dead body that has been dragged out a river.

[@CS-mo7xp]

love this comment haha 😅

[@Dlj71]

Unrecognisable in this video from the player I remember all those years ago in the FA cup semi final of 1991.

[@mad_max3402]

I still like him 😊

[@alexrobinson2281]

Why wouldn’t you ? Top man

[@user-gw7bs2pj9k]

An absolute gentleman

[@russellben1234]

Paul we know you are the greatest player that Britain has ever produced but please mate if you’re bored come up to Scotland and we’ll go fishing,when you were at Rangers, there was one day I was up paying my season ticket I had my five year old brother and we met you after training well before phones . You had my brother in your arms throwing him about having a great time. You are a good person, please believe 🔴⚪️🔵 once a Ger always a Ger

[@kb5509]

Don't be daft

[@russellben1234]

@@kb5509 about what?

[@kb5509]

@@russellben1234 about him being the greatest British player of all time.

[@russellben1234]

@@kb5509 rubbish he is one of the greatest players Britain ever produced and the press ruined him!!! His talent for the time he played could be matched by no one!! It’s so sad that he is an alcoholic and can’t pass his genius on to the youth of this country! We at Rangers would take him back as a couch in a minute if he could stay sober! He is a rare talent!

[@kb5509]

@@russellben1234 one of. Not the. The press ruined him far less than him injuring himself in the cup final or abusing drink and drugs. He played at the same time as Maradona, Matthaus, Baggio, Baresi, Gullit and Van Basten for Christs sake, the talent was matched and bettered. Michael Laudrup wasn't as good as those players, who was himself better than his brother Brian, who was himself better than Gazza. But Gazzas the best player ever because he had 1 world class season in 91?

[@dylanqioniwasa]

If Kopke had touched that ball… Gazza would have tapped it in… we all think about it.. ❤

[@mattdrake7197]

That Euro 96 goal...

[@robertcochrane7543]

Full video? The gap between previews and plugging your interviews is getting worse tbh . What's happening with this channel?

[@EricPollarrd]

Cripes, caffeine will be causing him all sorts of health issues, one of the biggest killers out there

[@CS-mo7xp]

I never guessed I was even slightly addicted to caffeine until I went a week without any. after day 4 or 5 I was waking up in the morning and all I could think about was coffee... real eye opener

[@johnobrien8398]

Poor Paul he lost to drink it’s very sad to see him drink so much it’s a very awful disease alcohol dissection

[@scotlandthebrave334]

I wonder what his Deamon is. He's never been able to stop. I'm glad to hear he's gone to AA. Those guys are brilliant. They do all this outdoor swimming. I wonder if Gaza has ADHD which they would diagnose these days. Where you mind never switches off.

[@AffectionateAstroStation-lx5is]

He never drank all that much he Just likes to blow his trumpet .

[@garfieldsobers4188]

Believe this...he drank a lot 😮

[@markheywood5626]

Making coffee from the tap

[@tortoisetamer486]

Poor Gazza used by from everyone, to be honest his manager is only letting him stay there because she's making from him 😞

[@LeeLee-ke6cd]

A great player .alcohol is poison for the wrong person .and it’s poison for gazza .be could have been a great football pundit

[@johnnyretro1975]

its a real shame how gazza was not look after like Alex Ferguson looked after his kids like ryan giggs and all the others was protected from the media and england people should of kept him on as a role model before all his down fall came if he had been kept on in football he would of stayed on the right track

[@kb5509]

Nothing would've kept him on the right track, including Ferguson and charity jobs working for ex teammates. Ferguson didn't look after people with substance abuse and mental health issues, he got rid of them.

[@johnnyretro1975]

media dont help they build them up abd knock them down so maybe sheilding him from media may of helped not saying would stopped drimking it was the culture back them most team s did it ​@kb5509

[@kb5509]

@@johnnyretro1975 how do you shield someone from the media?

[@vordman]

Poor old Gazza. He could have been our Maradona, but it was not to be. Shame.

[@Guvna07]

I love Gazza and have great affection for him but he’s continually fked his life up. He’s blown millions and every time he needs help he gets it. Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney have helped him numerous times. So much money was raised for his Arizona clinic in patient treatment that he had plenty left over and bought a flat in Bournemouth. He really has no idea about true suffering. Theirs so many alcoholics that have absolutely nothing and nobody organises whip rounds to send them to 5 star retreats. He should realise just how very lucky he is that whenever he needs anything he just has to ask his multi millionaire mates who are more than happy to help him because of the positive publicity they get out of it.

[@johnbrooke9948]

Harru Redknap owned the flat so what are you talking about?

[@Mr_Nigeria100]

Amazing player but to me ? He still doesn’t look or act well. Sad to say but I don’t c Gazza surviving till old age. He has the gait and mannerisms n posture of an 90 year old man. I’m 45. So I’m old to remember prime Gazza n he was something else. I just hope he find peace

[@nunofilipefernandes8187]

Gazza for me the best ever

[@themanftheworld8439]

George Best

[@kb5509]

How

[@user-zz5wk8dr3w]

Compared to who