Staff stunned as football legend Gazza pops into Derbyshire Co-op

The former Tottenham and England star chatted with staff at Overseal Food Store, in Burton Road, after nipping in on a couple of occasions while doing business locally to stock up on some supplies.

Kim Grice, store manager, said the surprise celebrity visit created a real buzz throughout the store and the local community.

She said: “Although I am on holiday at the moment, all the colleagues have been talking about is the fact that Gazza had visited the store a couple of times this week.

“He kept himself to himself while picking up some everyday essentials but was really friendly and chatty with everyone he interacted with.

"Our colleagues were delighted to meet a legend like Gazza but were respectful of his privacy.

“It is not very often you get a living legend shopping in your store so it has all been quite amazing really.

"His surprise shopping visits have really created quite a buzz among the entire community.

“Our team have worked so hard during these uncertain times, ensuring the local community is served and has access to food and essentials, so being able to say they have met Paul Gascoigne has been a nice little treat for everyone.

“It is great to think that a superstar like Gazza has given our little Central England Co-op a thumbs up by shopping with us and then coming back for more.”

The 53-year-old midfielder won 57 caps for the Three Lions and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.

He shot to national fame for his performances during the 1990 World Cup in Italy and for his tears after being booked in England’s semi-final defeat by West Germany, meaning he would have been suspended for the final.

During his career, he pulled on the shirts of Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma and Boston United.

He made 468 total career appearances, scoring 110 goals and winning the FA Cup as well as various trophies in Scotland.