Damn, the article is gone. Anyone got it saved?
Former England star Paul Gascoigne has put pen to paper on a lucrative deal with the Wellington Phoenix in a marquee capacity in what is believed to be a 5 year deal.
Gascoigne, whose former clubs include Lazio, Rangers, Tottenham, Everton and Middlesborough said it was a Wellingtonian living in England who was instrumental in convincing him that his future career path lay in the New Zealand capital.
"I met this guy in me Mam's bingo hall who spoke all funny like, and he told me his name was Frankie and he was from New Zealand" Gascoigne said. "He told me to forget about mickey mouse leagues like the MSL as there was no way that they could compete with the changing rooms of the cake tin."
A Reuters reporter was able to uncover the identity of the Wellingtonian, but he declined to be interviewed. However, he did release the following statement:
"Gazza is a top geezer and he seemed a little subdued when I saw him at bingo. I went over to have a chat and cheer him up and the next thing I know, I'm giving him Tony Pignata's phone number and he's on his way to Wellington."
One of the terms and conditions involved with the deal is believed to include having a dentist's chair in the residence being provided for Gascoigne.
Endorsement offers are already rushing in, with Irvines Pies being a front-runner to have the geordie man representing their brand.
Gascoigne is due to arrive in Wellington next week.