Gascoigne's life is in danger, says agent

Soccer:Paul Gascoigne's agent believes the former England midfielder's life is in danger after he started drinking again

Gascoigne, 45, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past and was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act, appeared to be unwell and trembling at a charity appearance in Northampton on Thursday.

His agent Terry Baker told BBC Radio Five: “He won’t thank me for saying but he needs to immediately get help.

“Whatever’s happened to him in the five or six weeks since I saw him before Christmas, he is not as well as he has been.

“He’s been absolutely fine, he really has, and now he isn’t. But I think he knows that.

“His life is always in danger because he is an alcoholic. Maybe no-one can save him. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel called on the Professional Footballers’ Association to step up and help the ex-Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers playmaker.

Referring to The Sun’s video of Gascoigne’s charity appearance, Schmeichel wrote on Twitter: “This is not fun watching. Gazza needs help. Come on PFA & (PFA chief executive) Gordon Taylor, time to step up.

“We are all responsible for how we live our lives. But that doesn’t mean we can’t step in and help, and I think the footballing community, as the family we at times claim to be, must do more to help Gazza and others like him.

“Instead of getting great deals on cars & other luxury goods for members, PFA should commit more time and funds to help the like of Gazza.

“So what if he’s had help before and has messed it up, does that mean that we just give up on him?

“What really gets me here is people. Everyone close to him was looked after by him. Now he’s abandoned by the lot and in many ways they helped him becoming what he is today. He needs help, they should be there to provide that for him, regardless.”

Gary Lineker admits he is struggling to see a positive outcome for Gascoigne, his former England and Tottenham team-mate.

Lineker, who played with Gascoigne at the 1990 World Cup, wrote on Twitter: “I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn.”