Gazza Goes To US For Rehab

Paul Gascoigne has been admitted to a treatment centre in the US after concerns were raised for his health.

The former England footballer, who lives in Boscombe, Dorset, is being treated for alcoholism.

He has "willingly" gone to an unnamed centre, his management company said.

Gazza, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past and was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act, appeared to be unwell and trembling at a charity appearance in Northampton on Thursday.

That led to his agent Terry Baker saying that the 45-year-old needs immediate help, suggesting Gascoigne's life is "always in danger".

In a statement, GamePlan Solutions said the star had been touched by the support shown by fans and figures within football over the past few days.

It said: "Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late. He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment centre in America.

"He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals. Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days.

"He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance."

Gascoigne still believes he can get back on track after his latest relapse, according to players' union chief executive Gordon Taylor.

The Professional Footballers' Association has vowed to continue giving the former England midfielder as much support as possible.

And having been in contact with Gascoigne over the weekend, Taylor said: "He still feels he is capable of getting back on track and it is a relapse he has had.

"I can only say, whatever help he needs, he must come on (board) and we will help to provide it.

"I think he does need specialist care and a very strong 24-hour support system, but again, it needs him to be part of that."

Taylor is adamant the PFA will not be giving up on Gascoigne.

And after ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel commented on Twitter that the organisation needed to "step up" its efforts to help the troubled star, Taylor stressed how much work it had already put in.

He said: "I can't think of a player who has had more support and constant help over the number of years that we have been there for Paul.

"It is quite ironic. It is nice that people like Peter Schmeichel care about him, but they don't appreciate the work we have done for him, a lot of which has to be confidential.

"If anything, I have been criticised at times for keeping faith and trying to keep going with him."

(c) Sky News 2013