England legend Paul Gascoigne has offered his gratitude to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for helping him overcome his recent battle with alcohol addiction.

The 45-year-old has returned to the UK following a five-month stint at a rehab facility near Phoenix, Arizona after he was spotted slurring his words during a public appearance in Northampton.

While a host of footballers and ex-professionals have helped cover the cost of Gascoigne's treatment, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has paid special tribute to the United boss.

"I was blown away watching people like Sir Alex telling me to stay strong and pull through," Gascoigne told The Sun. "Sir Alex reminded me I'm a fighter. He said he was speaking on behalf of all United players and everyone was rooting for me."

Ferguson sent a message to Gascoigne via a DVD while he was in the US.