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THE FOOTBALL LEGEND, NOW 58, SAYS HE IS FEELING BETTER THAN HE HAS IN YEARS JACKIE ANNETT Features Writer and JESSICA BOULTON 10:01, 30 May 2025 Looking like a man at the top of his game,

Gazza says: “I feel better now than I have in years.” Once described as the most gifted English footballer of all time, now 58 and looking fantastic, he says: “I hope I am at a point that I

can really look back over everything I’ve gone through in my life with a different - and more positive - perspective. After so many years in the spotlight, I feel like it’s time people got

to know the real me.” In anticipation of his forthcoming book Eight, set to be published by Mirror Books this autumn, he reflects on its title, inspired by the iconic number 8 shirt he

donned during Euro 96 and his tenure at Spurs. Gazza explains that Eight also signifies the tumultuous range of emotions that have "run riot through my life...sometimes all in the same

afternoon!". His autobiography is expected to delve into the true narrative behind some of the more notorious chapters of his life, including his struggles with alcohol, coping with

bipolar disorder, and his peculiar role in the pursuit of fugitive Raoul Moat. Recently featuring in a video homage to Gary Lineker upon his departure from Match of the Day, Gazza expressed

gratitude towards his old England and Spurs comrade for the support during challenging times and playfully suggested they should go "gallivanting" now that Lineker has more leisure

time, reports the Mirror. Gazza's well-known struggles with addiction have resulted in numerous arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour, as well as drink-driving offences. His 1996

marriage to Sheryl Gascoigne was marred by accusations of domestic abuse. Despite their divorce in 1998, she has penned about her continued efforts to support him. Two decades on from his

2005 autobiography My Story, Gazza believes that in Eight, he demonstrates a deeper understanding of the tumultuous journey his life has taken. Touted as "Paul Gascoigne as never

before," if his narrative is as captivating as his recent photographs, it promises to be a compelling read. Article continues below OUR CHRONICLELIVE DAILY NEWSLETTER IS FREE. YOU CAN

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT HERE. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East. Paul Gascoigne: Eight - The Real Gazza Revealed For The First

Time by Paul Gascoigne is set to be published by Mirror Books on October 23 with an RRP of £22. 'Gazza's looking better than ever - he was one of the heroes of my youth'.

Mirror photographer Rowan Griffiths had the opportunity to photograph his football idol Gazza for the first time a fortnight ago, remarking: "He looks fantastic." Meeting at a

hotel in Didcot, Oxfordshire, Rowan shared: "Gazza knows how to hold the room. He was very genuine, asking how we all were. He was doing a speaking tour and seemed very well. I was so

relieved to see him looking so good, as I was a fan from way back in the day myself. He was one of the heroes of my youth." Rowan, a stalwart Mirror lensman since 2003, recently

indulged in a bout of nostalgia with Gazza over the historic World Cup fixture against the erstwhile Czechoslovakia back in 1990, where Gazza's goal was pivotal to England's 4-2

triumph. Article continues below With eyes aglow, Rowan recounts, "I went to the Czech game," and shares how Gazza animatedly recounted every intricacy of that match. Fascinated by

this level of recollection, another inquisitor posed Gazza about his memory for matches, to which he affirmed, "Gazza recalled every detail of that game to me. Someone else asked if he

remembered every game and he said yes he did. It's amazing to have that recall." This exchange is cited as nothing short of astounding. On the subject of lifestyle, it came to

light that Gazza now favours the personalised touch of Airbnbs over the standard hotel experience during his speaking tours, seeking a sense of independence. When prodded about his wellbeing

by Rowan, Gazza's response resonated with positivity: "I'm great." Meanwhile, Rowan describes Gazza's photo shoot prowess and lively spirit, saying, "He still

likes a typical Gazza joke. We would be doing some serious portraits and the next thing, he was doing a ballerina pose! That's Gazza for you!".