By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008
TOON legend Paul Gascoigne is home and dry after his sixth spell in rehab.
And Gazza’s pals say he is back to his bubbly self as he gets stuck into training for a charity match with fellow Newcastle United old boys, taking place tomorrow.
Gazza returned to Tyneside after four weeks at a tough rehabilitation clinic.
The former England hero flew home to the UK last weekend after being released from Arizona’s £3,500-a-week Cottonwood clinic.
Gazza, 40, tanned and relaxed, is training twice a day at the Newcastle Academy with his old friends, including Alan Shearer.
Today, his best pal, Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner told of his pride to see his mate back in his football boots.
He said: “Paul’s back home, he has a house here in the region and he’s staying there. I’ve seen him every day and he’s looking great. He’s back to his bubbly self. We have the old Paul back and I’m very proud of him. What happened in Arizona is private and confidential, but I can say he’s looking fit and he’s very happy. In fact, he’s almost as good looking as me now.”
Gazza and Shearer will be just two of the former Toon stars on show in the game at St James’ Park between the Duke of Northumberland XI and the Earl of Durham XI, with the sides locking horns for the Prince’s Trust Trophy in the Sporting Challenge clash.
Gazza and Big Al were huge stars for their country at Euro ’96 when the pair helped take England to within a whisker of the European Championship.
The ex-Spurs and Rangers ace’s stay at the strictly-run Cottonwood is believed to be the sixth rehab stint in his 10-year battle against alcohol addiction.
He hit the headlines in May when he received emergency surgery on his 40th birthday party for a perforated stomach ulcer.
Since the end of his career on the pitch, Gascoigne tried his hand at managing, advertising, writing, comedy and TV presenting.
He made 57 appearances for England and was widely regarded as the most gifted player of his generation.
But Gascoigne left behind him a kebab-strewn trail as testimony to his excesses, which finally led to his exclusion from the England World Cup squad in 1998.
Now his friends and family believe he has turned his life around and are confident he will stay off alcohol for good.
Gascoigne told the Chronicle earlier this week: “It’s really nice to play in this game and to play alongside Alan Shearer again.
“You always think that you might never play at St James’ Park again, but this is another chance – and we have some terrific players in the squad too.
“Obviously, to play alongside Peter Beardsley and Al again is massive for me. I played with Al at Euro 96 and it’s an honour. I can’t wait to get the boots on for this one.”
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