Former England soccer star Paul Gascoigne has said "boredom" was behind his most recent struggle in an attempt to overcome a longstanding alcohol problem.

The 45-year-old, who has struggled with alcoholism for years and detained under Britain's mental health laws in 2008, was taken to hospital last month after being treated at an Arizona rehabilitation clinic at a cost of about $30,000 for a two-month stay.

He found himself at the treatment center after his agent told BBC Radio the former Newcastle, Tottenham and Lazio midfielder needed help.