Source: Daily_Mail
I almost died after my heart stopped three times, reveals former Spurs and Newcastle hero Gazza
Enlarge Near death: Paul Gascoigne revealed his heart stopped three times in rehabFormer England hero Paul Gascoigne revealed the near fatalhealth problems caused by his chronic drinking caused his heartto stop while in rehab.He said: 'My heart failed on us a few times,' adding that his father John had collapsed with worry at his illness. In a television interview beingbroadcast today, Gazza finally confirmed last year's suddenrumours that he had died were closer to the truth than the publicrealised.Gascoigne, a terrace hero at Newcastle, Spurs and Lazio, whose career was marred by alcoholand violence towards his ex-wife Sheryl, has endured a love-haterelationship with the British public.Addressinghis attack on Sheryl, he said: 'If you are sitting in a restaurant andsomebody calls your mum a whore, which she did, and for no reason, Idon't like that - and yes, I got hold of her arms and I did put my headagainst her head, I didn't headbutt her but I threw her to the floor,and I was disgusted with myself for what I did.'I went to therapy; I sat with 15-20 women and told them exactly what I did. 'Igot punched by a few women for doing what I did, but I took the punchesand I accepted it. It is the one thing I ever did in my life, and I gethammered for it.'In a startlingly frank admission he says he feels 'used' by his son Regan.He said: 'I drive down to be with my son and he takes us to the school and shows (his friends), "This is my dad". 'I hope we don't win' call from Arsenal-hating fans leaves Spurs boss Redknapp shockedDerby's Commons is a summer target for three Premier League sidesNEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEBTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB'I went to assembly and signed everythingfor the kids, and then it's proved to everyone that I am his dad - thenhe goes back home and that leaves me, I don't know, I feel like I ambeing used by my own son here.'The interview with Sky News, in the company of his father, sisterLindsay and two young nephews, shows the ex-midfielder having a kickabout on the beach.He proudly declares: 'No-one is ever going to be as good as I was.'The player is visibly moved when both the youngsters say he is their favourite ever player. Enlarge Family guy: Paul Gascoigne played football with nephews Cameron Gascoigne, 8, (left) and Joe Gascoigne, 5, on a beach in North Tyneside Hesaid: 'The kids have been scared, they have been scared of us, youknow, coming round the house and that, the way I was and in the state Iwas in, but coming to the beach and playing football is brilliant.'Gascoignehas had a well-publicised battle with alcohol, and admits that onlyfour months ago he was drinking 30 cans of Special Brew (strong lager)per day. Enlarge On me 'ead: Paul Gascoigne looks fit and well after giving up alcohol In reference to his religious beliefs, he says: 'I just thank Himfor today you know, if I don't drink I just say thanks, thanks for notletting me have a drink today.'But the sportsman says he can be around alcohol without giving in to temptation.'Ican be around it now because all I have got to do is remember my last'drunk'. If I remember my last drunk, which I can't - well I sort ofcan, getting fed with a spoon because I had the shakes that bad.'He also describes his suicide attempt.'Inthe bath, yes, it's the easy way out they say, you know, take a fewsleeping tablets, nice little warm bath and have a few drinks and justdrop. I had just had enough, I had had enough of everything, you know.'Gascoignecontinues: 'I rang my sister just to say, I am going to run a bath. Ithink she might have had a clue, I don't know if it was a plea for help.'And I just said, look, I am in the bath and I will always love you, or something like that, and put the phone down. 'Ilaid in the bath and just felt myself dropping off and I remember justgetting ready, like dozing off, and then the police burst in. About sixpolice dragged us out of the bath.'Highlights of the interview will be broadcast on Sky News from 6am today. 'I hope we don't win' call from Arsenal-hating fans leaves Spurs boss Redknapp shockedDerby's Commons is a summer target for three Premier League sidesNEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEBTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB