By Matthew Jones
July 8 2003

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has said that it broke his heart turning down Paul Gascoigne's offer to play for his team this season. Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has told how turning down says Paul Gascoigne's offer to play for his team this season broke his heart.

Robson told The Sun: "He told me he could do a big job here for me but I laughed it off because, as I explained to him at the time, we have now got Jermaine Jenas, Kieron Dyer, Gary Speed and Hugo Viana to do a job.

"We had a lovely chat and soon Gazza started to tell me about his plans for his future on the field.

"He talked enthusiastically about offers he had received from clubs and asked me what I thought.

"I said 'Go and enjoy yourself doing what you love'.

"He then quickly jumped in, insisting to me, with that huge butter wouldn't melt in his mouth smile creasing his face 'But Bobby, I can still do a big job here at Newcastle for you!'

"Immediately I just laughed it off. I said I wouldn't do that because he is, what, 36 now and I am creating a very young side.

"I would not do anything that I feel could have hurt him but I was straight with Paul because that is the least he deserves. Too many people have promised him the earth and then let him down.

"I could never let him down, I love him too much, he is one of the greatest characters our game has ever had. And you know, he never let me down, was never deceitful, never gave anything less than 100 per cent."

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