Introduction
Paul Gascoigne was one of the brightest figures in English football in the 1980s and 1990s. According to some, the most talented footballer to wear the England shirt in the last half century.
At first, however, not everyone is impressed by his talent. He went through unsuccessful trials at Ipswich, Middlesbrough and Southampton before being spotted by his beloved Newcastle in the 1980s. Five years later – in April 1985, he made his debut for the Magpies. At the beginning of the next season, he also scored his first goal at “St. James’s Park”.
Early Career at Newcastle
“Gascoigne recalls his childhood in an emotional interview with the Daily Mail and interviewer Jamie Redknapp, who he briefly played with on the national team. He says, “My father would leave me playing with the kids at 7 PM and head to the bar. Then at 9 PM he would pick me up and we would walk home. This was a nightly routine.” His father bought him his first football when he was seven and he took it everywhere with him, even to bed. At age 12, he went to trials at Ipswich and Southampton before eventually joining Newcastle at 14. He recounts a memorable match against Liverpool and Manchester United, and how his father told him he would come watch him play when he “made it”. This motivated Gascoigne to strive for even greater success. He recalls hopping on a fan bus after a game and calls the experience unforgettable.”
“Gascoigne recalls his journey to Newcastle after trials with Ipswich and Southampton. He remembers playing standout games against Liverpool and Manchester United. He asked his father when he would come watch him play, to which his father replied, “When you make it. You haven’t made it yet, son.” This only motivated Gascoigne to play even better. He was confident in his talent and didn’t shy away from playing against anyone. He recounts a memorable experience where he hopped on a fan bus after a game, calling it unforgettable.”
Playing style and psychological warfare
Gascoigne reflects on his experience with coaches and his style of play. He says, “Working with coaches was a nightmare for me. I didn’t need someone to coach me. I was bored of just passing the ball to one player, so I’d wait for two players to come together and feint them both with one move.” He believes that if he were playing now, no one would be able to match his skills. He reminisces about the physicality of the game during his time and how the pitches and stadiums were not as good as they are now. He was known for his confidence and would engage in psychological warfare with his opponents. He recounts a memorable match against Roy Keane and how he talked to him throughout the entire game. He says, “I was constantly talking to my opponents, asking them about their lives and trying to get into their heads. When one player tried to intimidate me, I just kissed him on the cheek, and the fans loved it.”
Transfer Controversies
“Paul Gascoigne was a highly sought after footballer in the late 1980s and Sir Alex Ferguson, then manager of Manchester United, was among those who tried to sign him. Despite giving his word to Ferguson, a transfer never materialized. When asked about the one player he wanted in his team but never got, Ferguson always says, “Paul Gascoigne, without a doubt.”
In 1988, Gascoigne was ready to leave Newcastle for Manchester United after a £2.2m transfer fee was agreed upon. But then Tottenham entered the picture, and Ferguson remained silent. Gascoigne recounts, “It took Sir Alex six years to talk to me again! Liverpool was the first team to contact me, but I couldn’t understand anything from my conversation with Kenny Dalglish due to his accent. Then Ferguson called, and I promised to sign with United once he returned from his holiday. However, Tottenham then made an offer, which included purchasing his father’s house and a tanning bed machine for his sister, leading Gascoigne’s father to say, “Then what the hell are you waiting for?!?” The Tottenham deal ultimately sealed the transfer.
Sir Alex Ferguson was furious when Gascoigne didn’t join Manchester United but Gazza later had another opportunity to play under Sir Alex when he was at Lazio, but the deal fell through because Eric Cantona wouldn’t leave the club.
Memorable Experiences, Alcohol struggles and Redemption
Years later, Gazza had some memorable experiences while playing for Tottenham and Lazio. He recalls a time on a bus trip to Genoa for a match with Sampdoria, where he appeared naked from a tunnel. Gazza says that if he had joined United, he would have stayed for 12 years, but instead he got the chance to play for Lazio in Italy.
However, the transition was difficult for Gazza, who struggled to train as hard as the rest of the team. Gazza also mentions a press conference where he was really close of being fired from Lazio for simply burping.
Gazza faced years of legendary partying, depression, and nearly reaching a point of homelessness. Now at 54, he is in better shape and is looking forward. “I have never had mental problems. I was just an alcoholic; I had problems with alcohol. But after the operation (stomach) I can safely drink a glass of wine or a pint of beer. But nothing more. I want to continue I feel good.”