Tottenham legend Paul Gascoigne has revealed how words from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson inspired him during his rehab.

Gascoigne, who has battled with a drink problem for years, told how desperate pleas from his loved ones helped drag him back from the brink of death as his body began to shut down when in withdrawal.

He told The Sun in an exclusive interview: "I was blown away watching people like Sir Alex telling me to stay strong and pull through.

"Sir Alex reminded me I'm a fighter. He said he was speaking on behalf of all United players and everyone was rooting for me."