Paul Gascoigne has revealed his new tactic to winning his battle with booze - getting fresh tattoos.
The England legend has had well-documented struggles with alcoholism throughout his life including several stints in rehab.
Long since retired from football, the 53-year-old still fights against the illness but says getting inked helps him to curb any tendencies he harbours to have a drink.
“It’s my new addiction. I’m off booze," Gascoigne told the Daily Star . "I’m getting tattoos because I love them and I’ve got f****** nothing else to do."
He now resides down in Bournemouth, Dorset, where he frequently visits a local tattoo parlour.
“If I don’t go to the tattooists, I’ll go to the pub and drink," he said. "To be honest, I’d rather go to my tattooist."
His regular spot is South Coast Ink Super Studio in Bournemouth, whose head artist Robert Williamson inked his latest design, while Gazza did an inking of his own by signing an England shirt.
Gascoigne's newest addition was a red heart on his wrist which is directly below a black one of the same size and shape.
The parlour were clearly delighted to welcome the ex-Tottenham and Newcastle icon as they posted about it on social media.
“We had a visit from the legend that is Paul Gascoigne," the post said. "He had a tattoo done by our head artist Rob. We’re truly blessed to have him by.”
Gascoigne's fans will be pleased to see the former midfielder steering clear of alcohol which has caused so many problems in his personal life.
Speaking to The Mirror in January he revealed he had undergone an operation on his stomach to insert anti-boozing pellets to keep him off alcohol.
“I’m in a better place – it’s the happiest I’ve been for many years," Gazza said at the time.
"I’m content now, happy in myself. I’ve just had my first holiday in 15 years in Tenerife, and I’m enjoying myself for the first time in a very long time.”
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