Paul Gascoigne In Intensive Care After Detox

Former England football star Paul Gascoigne has been taken to intensive care in the United States after his health declined.

The 45-year-old went to a clinic to help his battle against alcohol addiction but was taken ill and needed hospital care.

Gascoigne's former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Gary Mabbutt told Sky Sports News he had a bad reaction to a detox treatment at a clinic in Arizona .

He has been admitted to hospital for observation, but the indications were he was recovering and would soon be well enough to return to the clinic.

Mabbutt said: "Unfortunately over the last few weeks Paul has had a relapse, which culminated finally, last Monday, in Paul asking for help.

"By Monday afternoon he was on a plane out to Arizona to a clinic specialising in dealing with Paul's specific problems.

"The first thing he underwent was a detox, unfortunately Paul had a very bad reaction to the detox and the clinic decided that as a precaution it was best to transfer him to hospital.

"He was transferred to hospital in intensive care where they could monitor him 24-7.

"But I spoke to Paul's medical team in the UK this morning, they had spoken to Paul and he's recovering and hopefully soon he will be back into the clinic to continue his rehab.

"Over the years he has had a lot of support from the football family, but of course it could be a long road to recovery. Now Paul's asked for the help we can focus on getting through this."

Gascoigne's former England and Tottenham team-mate Gary Lineker tweeted this morning: "Gazza is struggling, Let's hope he can hang on in there. Others have generously offered help. #GetwellGazza."

TalkSPORT presenter and former England cricketer Ronnie Irani and Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, a long-term friend of Gascoigne, organised his flight to the centre in Phoenix.

The move came following a charity appearance in Northampton during which Gascoigne appeared unwell and shaking.

He then broke down and sobbed on stage in front of a room full of fans.

Irani said last week: "I had a chat with Chris Evans and he just asked how we could help him.

Gascoigne, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past, was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act.