Former England international Paul Gascoigne broke down in tears during a live appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as he shared an update on his battle with alcohol addiction and discussed his new autobiography.
The 59-year-old former footballer appeared on the show to promote his book, Paul Gascoigne: Eight - The Real Gazza, which chronicles his life after football and his struggles with substance abuse.
A Positive Turnaround
Gascoigne reported a significant improvement in his mental health and daily routine, noting that he has maintained sobriety and feels better than he has in half a decade.
"Everything's going well for us. It's probably the happiest I've been in about five years, definitely," he said.
He attributed his positive mindset to simple pleasures and professional projects. "Just in general, you know.
The weather's changing and [I] went and did a bit of fly-fishing and got deals with the book coming out...
Things are looking up. I'm quite happy," Gascoigne explained.
Emotional Reaction to Reader Feedback
The emotional weight of his published memoirs became evident when Gascoigne broke down while reflecting on feedback from readers who found solace in his story.
"A lot of people have come up [to me] and said they've read it and [it's] saved their life," he said, pausing to compose himself.
He then emphasized his ultimate goal for the autobiography: "If that book can save one person's life, then I've done my job."
To lighten the mood, Gascoigne joked, "I think I should read it myself, you know! Do myself a favour."
He also highlighted the severity of addiction globally, stating, "Two million addicts and alcoholics die each week. It's a lot."
Daily Recovery Strategy
Gascoigne detailed his mindfulness approach, explaining that he avoids looking too far ahead to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
"Every morning, I don't think about tomorrow because that's another day. I just try to keep it in the day, keep it simple.
Some days I find it hard," he said.
He recalled how minor frustrations used to trigger his drinking. "If a plant died, I used to drink on it.
But I don't do that nowadays."
Now, his mornings are structured and calm. "It used to be a big battle every time I woke up.
But now it's easier to get up. I have a coffee, and try to plan the day ahead."
He acknowledged the possibility of relapse but firmly stated his commitment to sobriety. "But not tomorrow.
I might drink tomorrow. I won't."
Gascoigne confirmed that alcohol no longer appeals to him. "Yeah, yeah.
I'm not interested in the booze to be fair. I'm in a good place.
It's the best I've felt in years."
Gratitude and Looking Forward
The former footballer expressed gratitude for the support he has received over the years. "Because I've had a lot of help in my time.
I've learned a lot."
He admitted that writing the book was emotionally taxing but ultimately therapeutic. "It [his book] is a good read.
It was tough doing, but afterwards I was pleased, because it helped us a lot."
Gascoigne concluded his appearance with an apology for his tears, drawing a parallel to his famous 1990 World Cup moment.
"Sorry about that... The last time I cried was in the World Cup!
But I'm in a good place."
