FOOTBALL legend Paul Gascoigne has accepted that his professional playing days are over, bringing to an end one of the most colourful careers the sport has ever seen.

The revelations came as Gazza turned out for a fundraiser in memory of Newcastle Falcons rugby star Soa Otuvaka, who died of a brain tumour, aged 25.

Thousands of fans roared their appreciation at the Falcons ground as Gazza stepped up to take the penalty - Jonny Wilkinson style.

His appearance at a special All Stars match at Darlington's Reynolds Arena earlier this year will go down as his last football appearance.

Gascoigne entertained the crowds in a fundraising match to help the cash-strapped Quakers, who are in administration. Several clubs, including Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday, Darlington and Carlisle, all spoke to him about resurrecting his career.

But Gascoigne has abandoned any plans for a comeback and would now like a testimonial at the home of his beloved Newcastle United.

Author Hunter Davies, who is ghost-writing the star's autobiography, said: "He has hung up his boots. That's it - his career is over.

"He's thought of as this George Best figure, but he won 57 England caps and played in the World Cup.

"People forget that his career spanned 16 years in the top divisions of Europe.

"He has all these obsessions and depressions and things he does when he feels low, but he's physically fine.

"He's in the gym every day.

While several books have been written about Gazza, this will be the first autobiography.

He said: "This is the first authorised biography, and that's most unusual for modern-day footballers, who seem to come out with them on the hour."

Do it like Jonny - Page 7