Paul Gascoigne tells former England star Kenny Sansom to ask for help and 'stay in rehab'
Gascoigne has pleaded with Sansom ‘not to do a runner’ from the detox clinic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul Gascoigne, the former England and Tottenham midfielder who has spoken openly about his own struggle with addiction, has urged fellow football star Kenny Sansom to stay in rehab and “not to do a runner”.
Gascoigne, 48, said Sansom needs to “try and stay for once,” adding that the former England and Arsenal star needs to understand that “sometimes [people] have to be harsh” during an alcoholic’s journey to recovery.
The former football star was speaking after pictures of Sansom, 56, a former England and Arsenal star, emerged showing him alone in a park drinking a bottle of wine.
Gascoigne has spoken of the relief he felt when he was told he was an alcoholic himself, and that having his addiction explained to him and being able to seek help was hugely important to his own recovery.
He added that Sansom will have to recognise when he needs help however, and ask for it himself.
“Kenny, if you want help – ask for it because there are people out there who are willing to help you. Stop whingeing and get on with it.
“I have slipped up a few times, I will be the first to admit that, but at least I went in there and stuck it out. I did my time and have come out the better side of it.
“Sometimes when so much gets on top of me I forget to ask for help,” he said.
The former footballer was speaking at the premier of documentary Gascoigne, which delves into his childhood, covers his 20-year career in professional football, and his struggle with addiction.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments