Paul Gascoigne agrees to meet worried dad

Rex Features

Paul Gascoigne's father has travelled to France for a showdown with his troubled son.

The football legend has refused to return to Britain after falling off the wagon when he was on tour with rock band Iron Maiden. However, after making contact with his dad John, he agreed to a meeting on the French Riviera.

A source told the Daily Star: "Paul admires his dad more than anyone else in the world. If there is one person he will listen to it's him. His dad knows how serious the situation is and is determined to help him.

"Paul feels under more pressure in England than he does anywhere else because he's so well-known. His family reckons he stands a better chance of sobering up abroad where he is relatively unknown and not in the spotlight."

Gazza appeared to be on the road to recovery when he was discharged from rehab last month. However, he started drinking again following a heated row with his partner Sheryl.