Hi °C | Lo °C Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne cried for hours yesterday on learning of Bobby Robson’s death.
And he said the man who comforted him after the 1990 World Cup semi-final defeat against Germany was a father figure to him.
Gascoigne told ITV News: “I'm speechless, I'm devastated. Bobby was like my second dad, I was like a son to him. I've had loads of texts from football players, managers, everybody.
“I can't describe how much he meant to me. I've just been crying for three hours, and I've come to see my mum and my dad. It's just unbelievable.”
Asked what his message would be to Sir Bobby and his family, Gascoigne said: “I love him and his wife Elsie — I'll always be there for her. I'm sort of numb, I want to go up and see his wife Elsie but it's a difficult situation for everyone. I'm going to miss him so badly.”
Gascoigne was one of the stars of the Robson-led England team in 1990 that came close to emulating the 1966 World Cup-winning side.
The tense semi-final against the Germans became famous for Gazza’s tears after he picked up a booking and realised he would miss the final through suspension if England won the game.
