Paul Gascoigne has shared that his struggle with bulimia began at the age of 17. He candidly discussed his battles with the eating disorder and his ongoing efforts to stay in shape despite numerous injuries throughout his career.
His most recent setback occurred following a mishap while fishing earlier this year. Gazza, aged 58, slipped and fractured his left knee cap, necessitating the use of a brace.
During an interview promoting his new book ‘Eight’, he revealed his longstanding desire to maintain a slim physique, dating back to his time at Newcastle at 17. Despite facing various injuries, he remains determined not to be an overweight former footballer. Gazza highlighted the challenges he faces in remaining active, emphasizing his aversion to idleness.
Describing his struggle to maintain fitness after undergoing numerous surgeries to repair his body, Gascoigne detailed his extensive medical history, including 38 operations. One of the most severe injuries he endured was the cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during the 1991 FA Cup final, which led to further complications when he was attacked in a nightclub during his recovery.
The former footballer also faced setbacks due to alcoholism, including a stint in a rehab clinic in Arizona in 2013 where he had a near-death experience during a medical procedure.
Gascoigne’s injuries have been varied and bizarre, from falling out of a palm tree in 2021 while attempting to retrieve a coconut, to being airlifted off the coast of Honduras during the filming of a TV show. Despite his numerous health challenges, he maintains a sense of humor, recounting amusing incidents like suffering a hernia during a critical phase of his career.
Paul Gascoigne’s book ‘Eight’ is set to be released on Oct 23, offering fans an insight into his life and struggles. His journey has been marked by a series of injuries, from career-altering ACL tears to comical mishaps, showcasing the resilience and humor that have defined his remarkable life story.