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The former England midfielder's friend claimed that a hip operation which left Gascoigne on crutches made him want to end his life.
Long-time pal Gardner attempted to cheer up the ex-footballer, but was apparently greeted with abuse.
Gardner told the Daily Star: "I was so upset that I walked out on him and haven’t seen him since.
"Now I feel terrible though. Instead of turning my back on him I should have seen it for what it was - a cry for help. Paul didn’t want anyone to see him hobbling in agony on crutches.
"That’s when the depression kicked in. He realised he’d never play football again and feared he’d end up with a limp.
"I tried to cheer him up. But that’s when he gave me a really sad look and said he’d had enough of it all."
Gascoigne reportedly told Gardner: "I’ll never play football again. I’ve nothing to look forward to, nothing to live for. I’ve had enough of life."
The soccer star is currently living with his father John following a breakdown that saw him get sectioned under the Mental Health Act last month.
Medical staff have warned Gascoigne's family not to leave him alone because of fears he may try to kill himself.
A source close to the family said: "He’s feeling better but knows he has a long battle ahead of him."
> In Pictures: Paul Gascoigne
