| ipt type="text/javascript"> | | | | Gazza was born in Gateshead, near Newcastle and |
| A recent poll by an online sports magazine found the | | | | always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. |
| picture of Paul âGazza' Gascoigne in tears | | | | His football career started as a schoolboy at |
| during the 1990 World Cup semi-final to be the most | | | | Newcastle United's youth team, and he was then |
| iconic sporting image of all time. The image, which was | | | | promoted to the first team, which he played in for four |
| later parodied in a Walker's crisps advert starring | | | | years. Gazza soon became one of the world's most |
| Gazza, was chosen from millions to top the poll. | | | | sought-after footballers, enjoying stints playing for |
| The picture depicted Gazza shedding tears after being | | | | Tottenham Hotspurs, Rangers, Everton and Lazio, as |
| given a yellow card during the important match. He | | | | well as notching up an impressive 57 England caps. |
| was sad because the card meant that he would miss | | | | However, it is widely believed that Gazza never quite |
| the World Cup final if England were to get through. | | | | fulfilled his full potential as a footballer, mainly due to the |
| However, it wasn't to be; England was beaten by | | | | demons that plagued him throughout his professional |
| West Germany in the match, which tragically knocked | | | | career. |
| them out of the competition. | | | | |