London, Jan 24 : Fallen soccer idol Paul Gascoigne has declared that he is finally beating his drink and drug demons, and insisted that he is feeling great.

Gascoigne, who has spent nearly three weeks in rehab at Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic, said his three children are the inspiration for his recovery.

Daryl Punnett, a guest, said the ex-Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder opened his heart to him, The Sun reported.

“I feel great — and I am determined not to let this beat me. Right now I am in the best place I have been for a very long time. There is still a long way to go but I feel I’m back and on the mend,” Gazza told Daryl.

Gazza has struggled to stay off the booze since his glittering soccer career ended.

He has had a series of failed stints in rehab and was sectioned three times under the Mental Health Act.

Daryl added that Gazza’s adopted kids Bianca, 22, and Mason, 19, and the star’s own son, 12-year-old Regan, give him hope.

Gazza told Daryl: “They mean the Earth to me and that’s what’s spurring me on. I’m so proud of them and I want them to feel the same way about me.”

Daryl saw Gazza in the gym at the clinic in the grounds of Champneys in Liphook, Hampshire.

“He looks fit and healthy and must now be in his best shape physically since his playing days,” he added.

Gazza has been wearing a special jacket in rehab fitness sessions to help him sweat more.

The Sun reported this week how fellow ex-pro-turned-filmstar Vinnie Jones wants Gazza to star in a reality TV show he is planning. (ANI)