Paul Gascoigne's bank account was drained of up to £50,000 after he fell victim to hackers, it was reported today.

Gascoigne, 46, who has been battling alcoholism for years, said the thieves made 23 withdrawals in just two days.

Speaking outside his Bournemouth home, he told the Sun he had been "bled dry", first claiming he knew who was responsible before admitting he did not understand how it had happened.

He said: "I know who did it. I know how it f*** happened, there were 23 hits in f ****** two days. It was quite a lot of money.

"It wasn't that much. F*** knows. I don't know. Website, internet, I've not got a clue."

The ex-Spurs player, once believed to be worth £14 million, reportedly said between £9,000 and £50,000 had been stolen.

In a documentary aired by ITV this week he described the pain of knowing he might start drinking again even though he recognises it might kill him.

Widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers of his generation, Gascoigne told film-makers he had been "lucky twice" after almost dying from drink.

He said: "I hope I don't die through it. Because I won't get any sympathy...because well he was warned. At least I know if I did pass away through it I wouldn't be in this pain all the time."