Artist known as Gazza becomes 'G8'

Prince Once became a squiggle, while Madonna recently declared that she is now Esther. Now Paul Gascoigne - the artist formerly known for being daft as a brush - will henceforth be known as "G8".

Prince Once became a squiggle, while Madonna recently declared that she is now Esther. Now Paul Gascoigne - the artist formerly known for being daft as a brush - will henceforth be known as "G8".

The former England, Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio midfielder, who recently resigned as Boston's player-coach, made his announcement on Wednesday. "G8 is right for us now," he said. "It sounds a bit like 'great', or at least it does with my Geordie accent."

Gascoigne said the name change would help him put his troubled past - he has battled against alcoholism and depression - behind him.

"Paul's not right for us because it's too closely linked with the past," Gascoigne said. "I just want to be the guy that enjoyed his football and entertained the fans."