Paul Gascoigne is reportedly recovering at home after being discharged from hospital following his health scare on Friday.
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.
Gascoigne 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.
His management company, The MNT agency, confirmed to The Times that Gascoigne has now returned home.
A spokesperson said Gascoigne is ‘doing well’, with the former England star having been admitted last Friday due to a throat condition.
Gascoigne had earlier relayed a message to friends from hospital, with the former England star reportedly saying he was feeling ‘fine’.
Paul Gascoigne is recovering at home after being discharged from hospital following his collapse last Friday
The former attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest English players of all time
Gascoigne had been admitted with a throat condition after being found ‘semi-conscious’
Doctors had earlier confirmed his condition was stable and that Gascoigne had been under observation after being moved to an acute medical ward.
The health setback was unexpected, particularly given Gascoigne’s recent progress.
He has 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 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’.
Foster had added that Gascoigne had been ‘out of danger’ by Saturday night.
Despite initial expectations he could continue his recovery in hospital for a number of days, Gascoigne has now been sent home to recuperate further.
Gascoigne’s health has been a cause for concern for a long time after years of struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health problems.
The former England star was believed to have told friends that he was feeling ‘fine’ prior to being discharged from hospital
Despite being expected to be in hospital for several days, Gascoigne has been let out earlier
Earlier this year he gave a positive health update to The Mirror and said that he is close to feeling at his best again.
‘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 his 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, Gascoigne 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 several clubs including Newcastle United, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton.
Gascoigne won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991 and claimed two Scottish Premiership titles, the Scottish Cup and League Cup with Rangers.
