Paul Gascoigne's talents were spotted at an early age by scouts coming to see him at Redheugh Boys' Club

After failed trials at Ipswich, Southampton and Middlesbrough, Gascoigne signed for hometown club Newcastle in 1983

Gascoigne, now nicknamed "Gazza", sparkled on Tyneside and his iconic status grew, helped by this photo with Vinnie Jones

By this time Gazza was seen as one of the key members of the England squad and helped the national side reach the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup

But his World Cup was over after picking up a one-game suspension in the semi-final that England lost to West Germany - but those tears earned him a new fanbase

His antics in Italy earned him the 1990 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Gazza had already spent two seasons at Spurs, having moved for a British record of �2.3m, and he helped them to the 1991 FA Cup final, but was stretchered off after injuring his knee

Gazza spent three seasons with Rome club Lazio but only made 47 appearances, because of injuries, before joining Rangers in 1995 for �4.3m

Gascoigne led Rangers to two league titles but the success was tainted by the sectarian gestures for which he was reprimanded

His England career was given a boost by Terry Venables and he helped the national side to the semi-finals of Euro '96 that included a great goal against Scotland en route

But the Geordie failed to make the 1998 World Cup squad with reports suggesting a night out with DJs Danny Baker and Chris Evans influenced Glenn Hoddle's decision

After a stint with Middlesbrough, Gazza was brought to Everton by his former Rangers boss Walter Smith in 2000

Now 37, and having had spells at Burnley and Chinese side Gansu Tianma, Gazza joined Boston as player-coach - it lasted four months

He tried his hand at management again in 2005 with Conference North side Kettering but was sacked by chairman Imraan Ladak after 39 days

Gascoigne has been out of football since 2005 - on the pitch he was a genius, but injuries, illness, drink and depression problems hindered his career