Schmeichel calls for help for troubled Gascoigne

LONDON (AFP) –

English football hero Paul Gascoigne (C) waves to supporters on November 22, 2012 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. His agent, Terry Baker, has told BBC radio the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio and Rangers star, who has battled alcoholism and depression for many years, “immediately needs to get some help”.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has urged the Professional Footballers’ Association to help troubled former England Paul Gascoigne overcome his personal problems.

“This is not fun watching. Gazza needs help. Come on PFA & (PFA chief executive) Gordon Taylor, time to step up,” Schmeichel wrote on Twitter after Gascoigne’s agent Terry Baker told BBC radio on Saturday that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers star urgently needs help.

Paul Gascoigne takes part in a charity football match to raise money for Help For Heroes (wounded servicemen and women) in Reading in 2009. Known to fans as “Gazza,” Gascoigne made 57 appearances for England and is considered one of the most talented English players ever.

After photos appeared in the tabloid media showing Gascoigne looking the worse for wear at a charity appearance, Schmeichel added: “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?

“He needs help, they should be there to provide that for him, regardless.”

Danish goalkeeper and former Manchester United keeper during a friendly international prior to the EURO 2000 against Belgium in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday 03 June 2000. Schmeichel has urged the Professional Footballers’ Association to help troubled former England Paul Gascoigne overcome his personal problems.

Baker said the 45-year-old, seen looking bloated and dishevelled in Britain’s Sunday Mirror newspaper, must get help.

“I heard from Paul this evening (Saturday) and my best assessment would be — and I’ve told him this — he immediately needs to get some help,” said Baker.

He added Gascoigne had seemed “fairly incoherent” when they spoke.

“Maybe no one can save him,” added Baker. “His life’s always in danger because he is an alcoholic, as he says.”