England legend Paul Gascoigne has insisted that he will beat his drink problem after it almost 'finished him off'.

The 45-year-old recently flew out to the US to seek treatment at a rehab centre in Arizona following a public appearance in Northampton, where he was spotted slurring his words while on stage.

Speaking via telephone to his friend Jimmy Gardner, Gascoigne told The Mirror: "The drink nearly finished me off this time. I know I've never been as bad as this before. But I'm not ready to give up the fight. I'm getting better now. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there."

During his stay at The Meadows Clinic, Gascoigne was taken to hospital after having a seizure.