Gazza the Mackem Gazza's secret love May 15 2005 By Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun Footy legend Paul Gascoigne has unveiled a secret passion . . . he's a Sunderland AFC fan. The former Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and England midfielder revealed his admiration for the Black Cats in a candid chat with Metro Radio presenter Paul "Goffy" Gough. He said: "I'm a bit of a Sunderland fan . . . and I'm not afraid to say that. "I've lived in Seaham and I've become a bit attached to Sunderland after living there for three years. "I used to go out there too and was well respected there . . . it was great. "Sunderland going into the Premiership is good for the area and I hope Middlesbrough can qualify for Europe. Hartlepool getting promoted is great too." Gazza also revealed his continuing battle against depression and his determination not to take any form of medication in his bid to beat the blues. "I'm off drugs - even sleeping tablets and painkillers - but I must admit I've got a little bit of depression and I can't get out of it, unfortunately," he told listeners to the North radio station. "I'm going to have to get some help from somewhere but I don't want to take any tablets - even sleeping tablets - so I'm going to have to get help to get back to my best and put a smile back on my face." Gazza revealed he had spent time in clinics specialising in alcohol abuse, but says his reason for going was nothing to do with drink but because of his depressed state of mind. He added: "If there's a way to get around not taking tablets I will work on that." Gascoigne is also suing the BBC over a neck injury he sustained when he slipped and fell during training for hit Boxing Day show Strictly Ice Dancing. Gazza has had several operations since the accident and is now taking the BBC to court because he says the corporation is refusing to meet his medical bills. Gateshead-born Gascoigne said: "I was nearly a minute away from being paralysed for life. "I will do them for whatever it costs to get me back to what I was . . . and I will be back."
