Paul Gascoigne has said that doctors thought he was going to die after his latest alcohol problems.
The 45-year-old returned to England this week after a period at a rehabilitation clinic in the United States.
He told The Sun: "Three doctors didn't think I would make it.
"It has got to inspire me to never let this happen again. I've come through that - death. I was dead."
Former England, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio midfielder Gascoigne was admitted to the clinic because of a public breakdown in Northampton. He has now vowed to stay sober.