Gazza’s spell at Spurs came during the height of his global fame, winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1990 and becoming a household name, making headlines on the back and front pages of the tabloids.
The early 90’s was a dark time for the British public with the country in recession and growing tensions across major cities up and down the UK, Gazza brought light to dark times for English football fans. In 1991, with Gazza on the verge of a move to Lazio, Spurs went on an incredible FA Cup run during which he scored 6 goals on the way to the final, including a wonderful free-kick against North London rivals in the Semi-Final. However, following a clash with Nottingham Forest defender Gary Charles in the early exchanges of the game, Gazza suffered cruciate ligament damage, which saw him out injured for the whole 1991/92 campaign.
The move to Italy eventually came to fruition, with Paul welcomed to Italy by huge crowds in Rome and major fanfare, his debut in September 1992 drawing massive television audiences in both Italy and back home in England. Despite an injury-hit first season, Gazza went down in Eagles folklore with his 89th-minute equaliser in the derby against AS Roma, and his first campaign ended with European qualification for the first time in 16 years.
Off the field, the Englishman found himself making several headlines in his opening season for various incidents, including several alleged physical altercations with journalists and burping into a microphone during a live TV interview. Whilst this may have upset the establishment, his actions endeared him to the fan base who still hold Gascoigne in high regard over 30 years on.
During the 1993/94 season, despite numerous issues with fitness and health, Gascoigne was named captain in the absence of Lazio legend Roberto Cravero. Between 1992 and 1995, the Geordie made 43 Serie A appearances, scoring 6 times before returning to the UK to join Glasgow Rangers in Scotland.
