Friday 21 August 2015 15:30, UK
With Paul Gascoigne set to make a guest appearance on Soccer AM this weekend, we look back at 10 iconic moments from his colourful career…
From the tears in Turin at Italia '90 to his unforgettable FA Cup semi-final free kick for Tottenham against Arsenal, 'Gazza' experienced no shortage of ups and downs during his playing days.
Here, we re-live some of the most memorable moments…
Gazza v Vinnie Jones
Being man-marked by Vinnie Jones is probably not an experience any player remembers too fondly, but for Gazza it was particularly painful. Notorious Wimbledon hardman Jones didn't take too kindly to a push from Gazza during a meeting in the 1980s, and he responded by infamously pinching the Newcastle youngster's private parts. Gazza still grimaces as he recalls the incident. "I remember after the game, I was still shaking, I was in shock," he recently said.
Brilliance at Italia '90
Gazza took Italia '90 by storm as England reached a World Cup semi-final for the first (and only) time since 1966. The flamboyant midfielder was England's youngest player at the tournament, and he captivated fans across the world with a string of thrilling performances for the Three Lions. Unfortunately for Gazza, it ended unhappily in Turin…
Tears in Turin
Gazza produced an inspirational performance in the semi-final against West Germany, but with the scores level at 1-1 in extra-time, his ill-fated lunge on Thomas Berthold earned him a booking which would have kept him out of the final. Gazza couldn't hold back his tears on the pitch, and he was too distraught to take a penalty in the shoot-out as England's World Cup adventure ended in heartbreak.
Free-kick against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final
Gazza returned to England as a hero for his World Cup exploits, and the following season he produced one of the FA Cup's most iconic goals. Tottenham were awarded a free kick just five minutes into their semi-final clash with bitter rivals Arsenal, and Gazza's stunning 30-yard drive was too strong for David Seaman. Spurs won the game 3-1, but the final was not quite such a memorable occasion for Gazza…
Knee injury in 1991 FA Cup final
Gazza was the inspiration behind Tottenham's semi-final success, but his involvement in the final against Nottingham Forest only lasted 17 minutes. Gazza threw himself into a number of wild challenges in the early stages and he was stretchered off after just 17 minutes. Spurs later celebrated a 2-1 win, but scans revealed Gazza had torn his cruciate ligament.
Italian adventure
Gazza was ruled out for a year with that injury, and in 1992 he embarked on an Italian adventure with Lazio. He was never far from controversy at the Serie A club, but he endeared himself to supporters with a crucial equaliser in the Rome derby against Roma. He famously played a string of games in a mask after breaking his cheekbone in 1993, and he left the club for Rangers in July 1995 after recovering from a broken leg.
Old Firm goal
Gazza made an immediate impression at Rangers, when, in their fifth league game of the 1995/96 season, he scored in his first Old Firm derby against Celtic. Gazza ran the length of the pitch to finish off a counter-attacking move and he celebrated wildly in front of the Rangers fans as became an instant hero.
Booking the ref
Gazza famously showed referee Dougie Smith his own yellow card after he dropped it during a clash with Hibernian in December 1995. Unfortunately for Gazza, Smith didn't see the funny side and booked the mischievous midfielder for his troubles.
Title-winning hat-trick
Gascoigne's first season at Ibrox ended in stunning style when he smashed a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen as Rangers clinched the title in the penultimate game of the season. Rangers also won the Scottish Cup, and Gazza was named player of the year with a tally of 19 goals in 42 appearances.
Wonder goal against Scotland at Euro '96
Gascoigne was overlooked for Euro '92 and England failed to qualify for the World Cup two years later, so Euro '96 was his first international tournament since Italia '90. In England's second group game against Scotland, Gazza scored one of his greatest ever goals, flicking the ball over Colin Hendry, volleying home and celebrating in style.
