Troubled Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne reduced viewers to tears in an open and candid interview this morning.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the 49-year-old, nicknamed Gazza, broke down as he labelled this year as his “worst ever.”
Recalling how he was “doing really well” in his battle against alcoholism, Gazza then revealed how the suicide of his 22-year-old nephew Jay Kerrigan a year ago set him back.
READ MORE: Poorly Gazza not a lost cause, says Rangers boss Ally
He told presenters Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan of the night he received the call regarding his nephew’s overdose: “My dad phoned me up at 5am and, before he even said anything, I said: ‘I know, he’s passed away’.
“He didn’t wake up.”
Pausing to continue, he broke down, adding: “Since then, I’ve had a terrible year.”
Viewers at home were so taken aback with the former footballer’s openness and display of emotion, that they flocked to Twitter to lend their support to the struggling star in what is Mental Health Awareness Week.
@piersmorgan at his best, a brutally honest interview, well done to Gazza outlining the flaws in our mental health system. Keep fighting x
— Kerry Anne Martin (@kerranne) May 8, 2017
@GMB @piersmorgan @susannareid100 Brilliant Interview with Gazza, very brave man. I salute you for that as I know many with PTSD (Combat).
— David Kime (@alfie_kime) May 8, 2017
@piersmorgan Good to see the caring side of you . You're interview with Gazza was moving .
— Sharon (@Salisbury1970) May 8, 2017
Great Interview With Gazza On #GMB,Opened Alot Up There Like,Football Genuis
— John Doherty (@Scousa1975) May 8, 2017
@GMB the interview with gazza was but exceptional @gazza8gascoigne you can do this, keep positive and become the warrior in your battle
— stacey adams (@stacey30adams) May 8, 2017
Heartbreaking interview with Gazza
— Scott Anthony 🇬🇧 (@Politikking) May 8, 2017
He's a legend & loved by the nation@piersmorgan has been on top form #GMB
Gazza was also sporting a bandage on his left hand during the interview.
He later revealed he had broken it while fighting off burglars at his home in Poole.
“I did what I had to do, but I came off worse,” he said while holding his hand up to the camera.
If you or someone you know is having a difficult time, please don’t suffer alone. Visit this helpful NHS site for information on available help, or head to the Heads Together site for more useful information.
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