Gasgoigne joins D.C. United
Gasgoigne joins D.C. United
www.dailysoccer.com
WASHINGTON, July 24 (AFP) -- Former England football star Paul Gascoigne arrived here Wednesday and began preparing for his inaugural workout Friday with D.C. United, which will likely sign the 35-year-old midfielder next week.
Gascoigne could reverse the fortunes of the Major League Soccer club and at the same time revive his own career, one marred by admissions several years ago that he physically abused his former wife Sheryl.
"We shouldn't be haunted by our past," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Everybody is entitled to have the right to prove they are a different person, a new person, and have learned from their mistakes."
The famed forward nicknamed "Gazza" was a hero for England in a 1990 World Cup semi-final run and was a star for such top European clubs as Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers.
Free agent Gascoigne, who ended last season on loan to First Division Burnley from Everton, will watch United's home match here Saturday against New England and join United for several workouts to judge his fitness.
"When a serious talent like Paul Gascoigne becomes available, you have to give it serious consideration," said United coach Roy Hudson, who like Gascoigne is from Newcastle.
If Gascoigne and United agree to a deal after workouts through the middle of next week, he would likely make his MLS debut here August 10 against Kansas City.
That might be just in time for United, which lost 1-0 at Columbus on Wednesday and saw its scoreless streak reach 241 minutes. United, at 6-10 with two drawn, trails Columbus and Kansas City by five points for the final MLS playoff berth.
Gascoigne reportedly rejected offers from Turkey and Dubai to play in the United States.
Gascoigne's arrival would likely require some lineup shifts for United, which also has Bolivian star Marco Etcheverry at midfielder.