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Episode details

Radio 5 Live,14 mins

Paul Gascoigne: I was glad when told I was alcoholic

5 Live In Short

Available for over a year

Paul Gascoigne says he is “happy in life" at the moment but revealed he was glad when he was told he was an alcoholic at the age of 33. The former England international, who retired from football in 2004, has spent years battling alcoholism. Gascoigne, 48, knew something was wrong during his playing days and spoke of his relief at finally being diagnosed. "When it was explained, and when I heard other people's stories, I was like 'thank God'", he said. Speaking to Kelly Cates, he added: "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." In a wide-ranging interview, Gascoigne speaks openly about his past struggles with alcohol and coping with the way they have been reported in the media, missing football and his views on today's players. This clip is originally from 5live Sport, Monday 8 June 2015.

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