Ex-England star Paul Gascoigne has reportedly provided an update from hospital to his friends and family, following his health scare on Friday night.
The 58-year-old was discovered semi-conscious in his bedroom by long-time friend and personal assistant Steve Foster, who immediately drove him to hospital.
Gazza was initially admitted to the intensive care unit, sparking concern among fans for the former footballer’s health, whose battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented.
Doctors have since confirmed that his condition is stable, and he has now been moved to an acute medical ward, where he is under further observation.
But in a message relayed to friends, the former England star said he is feeling ‘fine’, as per The Mirror.
Although he was initially expected to remain in hospital for several days, Gascoigne could be discharged earlier than first anticipated.
Paul Gascoigne has reportedly provided an update following his health scare on Friday night
The former England star is believed to have told friends and family that he is feeling ‘fine’
Gazza’s setback was unexpected, especially considering he has been sober for three months
The report went on to reveal that the ex-midfielder plans to share an update later on Monday.
The health setback was unexpected, particularly given Gascoigne’s recent progress.
He had reportedly remained sober for three months over the summer while touring with speaking events, during which he appeared to be in excellent health.
His friend Steve Foster, the man who found him, issued a brief statement on his behalf.
He said: ‘Gazza would like to thank everyone for the support he’s received so far from so many old friends who wish him well and want to see him back to his best’.
The England legend was ‘out of danger’ by Saturday night and is expected to continue his recovery in hospital for a number of days.
Foster added: ‘Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now.’
Gascoigne’s health has been a cause for concern for a long time after years of struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health problems.
Although he was expected to be in hospital for several days, Gascoigne could be out earlier than first anticipated
The former attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest English players of all time
Earlier this year he gave a positive health update to The Mirror and said that he feels better than he has in years.
‘I feel better now than I have in years,’ he said. ‘I hope I am at a point that I can look back over everything I’ve gone through with a different, more positive, perspective.
‘After so many years in the spotlight, I feel like it’s time people got to know the real me.’
Gascoigne’s marriage to Sheryl, which ended in divorce in 1998, was marred by domestic violence claims.
His spell as manager of Kettering Town in 2005 lasted just 39 days, with Gascoigne’s alcohol problems a key factor.
In 2008, Gascoigne faced a bankruptcy petition regarding a tax bill of £200,000 as he hadn’t filed any tax returns for over two years.
However, in 2011 he avoided being declared bankrupt despite the fact that he still owed £32,000.
Gascoigne has frequently struggled with alcohol addiction and first attended therapy sessions in 1998.
Earlier this year, Gascoigned revealed that he was feeling better than he has done in years
In 2010 he was charged with drink driving and was sent to rehab, while he was given an eight-week suspended sentence.
Also that year he appeared on the scene during the stand-off between police and fugitive Raoul Moat.
In 2015 Gascoigne received a restraining order for harassing an ex-girlfriend and assaulting a photographer.
Gascoigne was capped 57 times by England between 1988 and 1998 and is regarded as one of the country’s greatest ever players.
He played for clubs including Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton.
