Mike Tyson offers emotional counselling to Gazza

Mike Tyson, the heavyweight boxing champion who was once known as the Baddest Man on the Planet, has offered troubled former England footballer Paul Gascoigne emotional counselling

London, Apr.15 : Mike Tyson, the heavyweight boxing champion who was once known as the "Baddest Man on the Planet", has offered troubled former England footballer Paul Gascoigne emotional counselling

The former England midfielder recently suffered a mental breakdown, which required two weeks in hospital for psychiatric treatment. But according to The Times, Tyson, believes his own chequered past could help Gazza recover.

"I know all about Gazza and I feel I can help him. A lot of top sportsmen have suffered in their private lives, including me, and that is why I want to help. I still see him as a superstar and would like to meet him if he feels up for it," 41-year-old Tyson was quoted, as saying.

Tyson has already met Wayne Rooney, the England striker and keen boxing fan, several times and says he lifted his spirits.

According to the paper, Tyson makes an unlikely counsellor, having been convicted of rape in 1992 and jailed for a day in November last year for driving while under the influence of drugs. He also had his Nevada state boxing licence suspended in 1997 after biting off a part of Evander Holyfield's ear.

The boxer will complete a series of speaking engagements on a "dinner tour" of northern England next month, including a date in Gateshead, a stone's throw from where Gascoigne grew up.

Gascoigne was detained in February after Northumbria Police were called to a Newcastle hotel following reports he was acting erratically. He has since been treated and has been staying with members of his family in the North East.

ANI