Gazza gives friends update on his health in message from hospital

Paul Gascoigne has sent a message to his friends and family from hospital today following his collapse at home. He told a pal: "I'm fine" after he was rushed into intensive care at the weekend.

The 58-year-old was discovered semi-conscious at home on Friday evening. He was taken to a hospital near his home in Poole, Dorset after his collapse. But Gazza has now told pals that he is feeling better. He was expected to remain in hospital for treatment for several days but may be allowed to leave earlier than expected. "He has told friends that he is fine and was going to give an update later today," said a source close to the star. "He has been doing well recently so this was an unexpected setback. He had a full three months without alcohol over the summer while he was doing various speaking engagements and looked really well."

In an interview with the Mirror last year, Gazza spoke openly of his long running battle with the booze and admitted that he 'fell off the wagon' at times.

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The Friday drama ensued after Gazza's pal Steve Foster, known as 'Fozzie', found him in a bad way at home. Mr Foster, who is also Gazza's driver and personal assistant, rushed the star to hospital in his car after coming across the former footballer his bedroom.

He said last night: "Paul is in hospital, which is the best possible place for him to be right now."

Gazza's reality star stepdaughter Bianca, his two sisters Lindsay and Anna and ex-footballer pals Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Paul Merson and Vinnie Jones are understood to be keeping tabs on his condition.

England legend Gascoigne is seen as one of the greatest playmakers of his generation, and is a firm favourite with fans.

He was capped 57 times and scored ten goals for his country between 1988 and 1998.

After coming through the youth ranks at local club Newcastle United, he made his debut for the Magpies in April 1985. He scored 25 times in 104 games for the Toon before moving to Spurs.

In north London, he helped Tottenham to the FA Cup in 1991 and spent four years with the club before moving to Lazio. He later represented Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton and Burnley.

But it was with England that Gazza captured the nation's heart. He made his debut in September 1988 under Bobby Robson and would go on to be a key part of the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals at Italia 90.

His tears as England crashed out of the 1990 World Cup in the semi-final against Germany touched fans and he scored an unforgettable wonder goal at Euro 96 against Scotland.

He was controversially overlooked for the 1998 World Cup in France by Glenn Hoddle, ending his international career with 10 goals in 57 appearances.

Gazza's latest health scare comes after his company was shut down at the start of July when it failed to file records on time. Companies House announced the firm has been struck off and dissolved. Gazza was represented for years by booking agent Katie Davies.

It is believed that she has now stepped back from involvement in his day-to-day life. She was not available for comment today.