Paul Gascoigne needs 'immediate help', says former agent

Fears for star after worrying public appearance

The 1990 World Cup star — nicknamed "Gazza" — has been plagued by alcohol and mental-health problems since quitting the game in 2005 (GETTY IMAGES)

Paul Gascoigne's former agent said the former star needs immediate help with alcoholism, after a tearful and rambling appearance at a charity event.

Gazza has been plagued by alcohol and mental-health problems since quitting the game in 2005.

And on Thursday he needed help getting onstage for a question and answer session, during which he swore, slurred his words, and blamed "three days on the whiskey."

And Terry Baker told BBC Radio Five: "He won’t thank me for saying but he needs to immediately get help.

"Whatever’s happened to him in the five or six weeks since I saw him before Christmas, he is not as well as he has been.

"He’s been absolutely fine, he really has, and now he isn’t. But I think he knows that.

"His life is always in danger because he is an alcoholic. Maybe no-one can save him - I don’t know. I really don’t know."

A guest at the event, held at Northampton Town FC, told the MailOnline that Mr Barker told the audience that his client had consumed two pints and that they should be "patient" with him, telling them to "remember Gazza for the good times he gave us."

Today, TV presenter and Gascoigne's former England team-mate, Gary Lineker tweeted: "I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn."

Gascoigne scored 10 goals in 57 matches for England. He played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton before his career was cut short by injuries and off-field troubles.