Geordie legend Paul Gascoigne admits he's still being hounded by the media.

Former Newcastle, Spurs and Rangers star Gazza, however, insists he never turns down an autograph request from a fan.

Gazza told TalkSport: "It sometimes gets hard. It's difficult but sometimes it can go the other way where if you are feeling down, all I do is walk down the street and everyone shakes your hand and wishes you all the best and say you look well but then sometimes it can be annoying.

"Like if you are just going to nip out to the shops and be back but I've had it for so many years that I just get used to it. If I can put a smile on someone's face by just shaking their hands or giving them a hug or sign an autograph or a photo, I'll do that. I've never turned down an autograph or a photo in my life and I never will do. Sometimes the press writes stuff that is not fair on me and they do need to give us a break.

"They are always following me, they never leave us alone so sometimes I haven't been seen anywhere because everywhere I go I'm getting bothered by the press but as long as I stay well and not let them bother us too much and just keep on looking forward to what's ahead of me"