HE’S one of the greatest footballers of his generation with a colourful life both on and off the pitch.

England legend Paul Gascoigne is to talk about his career and life during a special event at Southampton’s Central Hall later this year.

Tickets are on sale now for An Audience With Paul Gascoigne on Saturday November 2.

An audience of 750 will watch Gazza in conversation with ex-professional snooker player turned TV commentator Willie Thorne.

Best known for his tears in Turin, the 57 times capped former England midfielder was England’s youngest player at Italia 90. A flamboyant and gifted newcomer to international football, he had been the star of the tournament and captivated supporters around the world on England’s route to their first – and only – World Cup semi-final since 1966. With the score one apiece against West Germany in extra time, Gascoigne’s ill-fated lunge on Thomas Berthold earned him a booking which would rule him out of the final if England progressed. TV audiences of millions watched on as a tearful Gazza was substituted and watched from the bench as England crashed out of the tournament on penalties.

Another hot-headed moment just 15 minutes into the following year’s FA Cup Final for Tottenham Hotspur versus Nottingham Forest saw him sustain a serious injury which he arguably never fully recovered from.

Gazza also helped the England team to the semi-finals of Euro 96, which included scoring a goal against Scotland, which has become one of the most iconic goals in the game’s recent history.

Starting out at his beloved Newcastle United and also enjoying spells at Lazio, Glasgow Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton and Burnley, Gascoigne was inducted into the National Football Museum in 2002.

But, following retirement from the game, his life has been dominated by his personal struggles. His mental health problems and alcoholism hae been regular features in the tabloid press.

At the height of Gazzamania following the 1990 World Cup, Gascoigne reached number two in the UK Top 40 with Fog on the Tyn”, a collaborative cover with Lindisfarne that earned him a gold disc.

Gascoigne has had three autobiographies published.

Last month it was announced that a feature film based on his life was under production with the working title 30 Years of Hurt. Among the cast are Norwegian actress Amalie Olufsen, set to portray Sheryl Gascoigne as well as an unnamed Game of Thrones star set to portray Gascoigne himself.

The evening will include a comedian , full interview with Paul plus an auction of signed sporting memorabilia.

Just 20 £200 VIP tickets, which include meet and greet, photo, VIP seating plus having an item signed, are available, as well as gold tickets including a meet and greet and photo at £50 and standard silver tickets at £35 are on sale now.