Gascoigne has battled alcoholism and depression since his playing days - earlier this year, he was sectioned under British mental health laws and arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in separate incidents.

'If I could wish, I would wish that he would go away from us,' 12-year-old Regan Gascoigne told a documentary to be broadcast on Channel Four television on Jan 5.

'He's probably going to die soon,' he said, in comments published in the Daily Mirror tabloid.

Gascoigne - known to fans as Gazza - made 57 appearances for England, and played for clubs including Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio in Italy and Glasgow Rangers.

Considered one of the most talented players English football has ever produced, he is best known for his exploits in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy where he helped his country to reach the semi-finals. -- AFP