“I could see dad in the clouds”

The former striker suffered a horrific accident over the festive period which left him in 'agony'. He recounted how he fell very hard and his lungs were punctured, while six ribs were broken.

Paul Gascoigne, serious accident: “I broke six ribs and punctured my lungs”

During the winter holidays, the former England international suffered a life-threatening fall. It is not the first time that the former athlete has faced health problems. He revealed that he had undergone 38 operations during his life, according to The Sun.

In an interview for an upcoming documentary, he said: “I caught something and fell backwards. I broke six ribs and punctured my lungs.

I went to the hospital and was obviously in agony, but they relieved my pain. I felt my throat expand. I quickly called the surgeon because I was panicking. I could see dad in the clouds and I was really panicking.I had 38 operationsso normally it doesn't bother me, but this time I was really scared,” said Paul Gascoigne, according to Clutch 9.

• Gascoigne has previously spoken of the moment his heart stopped beating while battling alcohol addiction at a clinic in Arizona 12 years ago. He told how he suddenly went into an induced coma in an attempt to give up alcohol. The incident led to an induced coma for 18 days before doctors 'brought him back to life'

Paul Gascoigne at the 1990 World Cup

The former Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers player is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. He played 57 times and scored ten goals for the “Three Lions” between 1988 and 1998.

His tears in the match where England were knocked out of the 1990 World Cup in the semi-final against Germany moved English football fans.