Troubled ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne has been released from a mental hospital after more than a fortnight - but faces an uncertain future as he is said to be homeless and broke.

Forty-year-old Gazza was driven from the hospital to his father's house by his sister Lindsay, 18 days after he was sectioned for increasingly strange behaviour while on a huge drinks and drugs binge.

His family have pledged to help the former millionaire to get back on the straight and narrow.

Previously he had stayed in a string of hotels or slept at a flat owned by his pal Jimmy "Five Bellies" Gardner.

Gazza arrives home yesterday after a spell in a mental hospital. But what does his future hold?

A source close to Gazza told the Daily Mirror: "He could have left hospital earlier. Those closest to him wanted him to stay and receive help.

"He needs the people who love him most now and they'll be there for him. But he knows it is up to him now."

A family friend added: "Gazza has received so much support from the public over the past three weeks. He's truly grateful."

Gazza was sectioned at Middleton St George Hospital near Darlington, after his behaviour at a hotel became ever more erratic and staff called the police.

The former England squad member had caused havoc in the hotel, according to insiders, setting off fire alarms in the middle of the night, approaching guests with talking toy parrots and trying to throttle a porter.

The Mirror said Gascoigne looked frail as he left the hospital wearing a beige jacket, designer shirt, gold necklace and a diamond earring. It said he arrived at his father's home at 5pm yesterday.

Gascoigne had an illustrious football career and is still perhaps best known for his exploits in the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy.

Gascoigne peeps out of his sister's car as he arrives at his father's house yesterday

He played for a number of clubs including Newcastle United, Spurs, Lazio and Rangers, appearing 57 times in an England shirt and scoring 10 goals for his country.

But the talented midfielder has had a troubled history of emotional instability and erratic behaviour.

Once regarded as one of the world's best footballers, Gascoigne's playing career was plagued by personal problems, many linked to his heavy drinking.

In 2005, he was admitted to hospital with pneumonia, sparking fears over his long-term health, and last year he underwent emergency surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.

He has also had several run-ins with the police over the years.

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who played with Gascoigne for England, said: "Obviously I hope that Paul gets over the problems he's having. It would be nice to see him get back to what we know he can be."

He continued: "We had some great times together and it is a bit worrying really to see him in the situation he's been in. Hopefully, now, he can get himself back on track."

Former player and manager Ron Atkinson said he spoke for everyone involved in the game. He said: "I think I'm sure everyone in football wishes him all the best in whatever happens to him."