Paul Gascoigne has emotional reunion with former bodyguard who protected him during drunk binges

Paul Gascoigne was left in tears after an emotional reunion with his former bodyguard on Italy’s version of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. 

The former footballer is currently filming series Isola dei Famosi (Island Of The Famous) on the Caribbean island of Honduras, and was given a shock when given a ‘mystery special guest’ message.

He was delighted to discover it was his former bodyguard Giovanni Zeqireya, who looked after him during the episode 1990s while playing for football team, S.S. Lazio. 

‘Remember the crazy times we had together, Paul? It was more protecting people from you and your practical jokes,’ Giovanni joked to him. 

Isola dei Famosi is currently in its second week, with Paul – best known as Gazza – possibly on the show for up to two months. 

He’s already won over viewers with bizarre tales from his heyday – which included bringing an ostrich to a Tottenham Hotspurs game as a wind-up, and stealing a London bus. 

However, Giovanni has previously revealed the darker side to living with the alcoholic during his worst moments, and becoming a victim of a prank that saw his drink getting spiked. 

Speaking to The Sun, he said: ‘I said “Paul, remember I don’t drink”, and he said, “Don’t worry, just one beer”.

‘Next thing one turned into two, then three.

‘I didn’t know he was spiking them with vodka. The room was spinning.’

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