Paul Gascoigne in intensive care after rehab detox

Former Rangers and England star Paul Gascoigne has been receiving treatment in intensive care in the United States.

Gascoigne, 45, went to a clinic to help his battle against alcohol addiction but was taken ill and needed hospital care.

His former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Gary Mabbutt said Gascoigne had a bad reaction to a detox treatment at a clinic in Arizona and had been admitted to hospital for observation, but the indications were he was recovering and would soon return to the clinic.

Mabbutt said: “Unfortunately, over the last few weeks Paul has had a relapse, which culminated finally, last Monday, in Paul asking for help.

“By Monday afternoon, he was on a plane out to Arizona to a clinic. The first thing he underwent was a detox. Unfortunately, Paul had a very bad reaction to the detox and the clinic decided that as a precaution it was best to transfer him to hospital.

“He was transferred to intensive care, where they could monitor him 24-7. But I spoke to Paul’s medical team in the UK this morning, and he’s recovering and hopefully soon he will be back into the clinic to continue his rehab.

“Over the years he has had a lot of support from the football family, but of course it could be a long road to recovery. Now Paul’s asked for the help we can focus on getting through this.”

Gascoigne’s former England and Tottenham team-mate Gary Lineker tweeted yesterday: “Gazza is struggling, Let’s hope he can hang on in there. ”

TalkSPORT presenter and former England cricketer Ronnie Irani and Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, a long-term friend of Gascoigne, organised his flight to the centre in Phoenix.

The move followed a charity appearance in Northampton, during which the former Tottenham, Lazio and Newcastle United star appeared unwell and shaking, before breaking down and sobbing on stage in front of a room full of fans.