England football stars chip in with 40K pounds to help ailing Gazza
London, Feb 12: A British tabloid's appeal to come to the assistance of former England football star Paul Gascoigne has met with an overwhelming response after current England stars and Football Association (FA) chiefs contributed 40,000 pounds for his medical treatment in the United States.
The Sun has appealed yesterday as alcoholic Paul Gascoigne, popularly known as Gazza, faced huge hospital and rehab bills.
Gazza, 45, has already racked up GBP100,000 hospital bill in the US and is currently admitted in the intensive care.
Gazza has struggled with alcoholic and mental problems since quitting the game in 2004.
Led by current Three Lions skipper, Steven Gerrard, the players contributed the amount just hours after The Sun issued an appeal.
Theo Walcott, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart all contributed their international match fees to help nurse the former star back to health. England players and the Football Association donated GBP40,000 via national teams official charity the England Footballers Foundation.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshire donated GBP5000 with senior teammates John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney added further donations.
Gazza, a former Newcastle United and Tottenham player, is regarded as one of England's greatest player and guided the Three Lions to the semi-final in the 1990 World Cup in Italy.