So, according to everyone who saw it – and everyone else who didn't – Paul Gascoigne weeping at the realisation that his booking would bar him from the World Cup final (should England beat West Germany in extra time) made football socially acceptable for the first time since the early 1970s.

What did Gary Lineker say about Gazza?

In between the laughter, Lineker goes on to add: “He calls me regularly when he's in good shape, and he always tells me that, 'If it had been any bloke, it would have been you'." "I love Gazza, he's an extraordinary man.”

Why did Gazza leave Rangers?

Gascoigne later admitted that it had “broken his heart” to leave in the manner he did with just 10 games to go before the end of the season. Could they have won 10-in-a-row if he had stayed? “I remember driving to Middlesbrough to sign for them - and I stopped halfway and cried my eyes out,” he said in 2019.

What disease does Paul Gascoigne have?

Despite his many successes in life, though, Paul Gascoigne has also endured a great deal of suffering due to mental illness. Alcoholism became close to destroying him on a number of occasions, and he has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, as well as a history of eating disorders.

Why was Paul Gascoigne called Gazza?

In fact, whenever an English midfielder was displaying such talents for the next many years (such as Lee Clark), they would be named as "the next Gazza". Gazza became quite popular thanks to his sense of humour displayed on and off the pitch, celebrating many goals with iconic celebrations.