Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has laughed off concerns from his friends and family that he had died.

The 46-year-old has been battling alcohol addiction for some time, but things came to a head when he was taken to a rehab facility in the US earlier this summer.

Despite coming through treatment, the ex-midfielder has been involved in a number of alcohol-related incidents since his stint in rehab.

Gascoigne wrote on Twitter: "Had loads of texts and calls yesterday from friends and family calling and texting me worried that i'm dead.

"ha i laughed because if someone is dead i would not text the person because he is dead ha but i appreciate the care so i went to the chemist and got some benylin to get rid of the coffin ha... Love GAZZA X."

Gascoigne recently revealed that he has been taking guitar lessons.