Italia 1990 star escape death 19 times in eighteen years

Italy 1990 World Cup star for the Three Lions of England, Paul Gascoigne has been bedevilled by one great enemy, Booze and the 47 year-old former Tottenham Striker who has been to hospitals and rehab centres disclosed to fans in a UK TV show how many times he triumphed over his woes

Gascoigne told the show 'This Morning' hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, that it is unfortunate that he is an alcoholic

"I didn't ask to be an alcoholic but unfortunately I am," he said. Adding, "The public helps me get through it.”

Gazza, as he is fondly called answered when asked how many time he has had near death experiences, saying: "19 times!" over the past eighteen years

"I thought it was the craving for the drink, but it was the obsession," he added.