London, June 5 : Troubled former England football star Paul Gascoigne's breakdown is a mirror image of George Best's battle with alcohol, said the late star's ex-wife.

Alex Best said fans flocked to buy George booze. She said: "People want to say we have bought Paul Gascoigne a drink, or George Best a drink. They're killing him."

"It's a mirror image of George. It's tragic something like this can happen again," The Sun quoted her, as saying.

Manchester United legend Best died in 2005 aged 59.

Meanwhile, Gascoigne's ex-wife Sheryl was at his side on Wednesday, helping him begin the long battle to overcome his booze-fuelled mental health problems.

Sheryl, 43, rushed from her home to be with Gazza after he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act for his own safety.

And yesterday the gaunt star walked arm-in-arm in the gardens of the Priory with the woman he drunkenly battered during their short and troubled marriage.

Gazza, 42, cracked a rare smile as they strolled in South-West London. And when a wellwisher asked how he was feeling, the ex-Spurs and England ace said: "I'm OK, thanks."

Friends said Sheryl has put aside the bitterness of their violent marriage to give him the support he so desperately needs after he pleaded for help.

ANI