Paul Gascoigne, 53, breaks down in tears as he returns to Italian I’m A Celebrity after injury

Paul Gascoigne made an emotional return to the Italian I’m A Celebrity after being rushed to hospital with a shoulder injury he sustained during an endurance game.

During Thursday night’s episode of Island Of The Famous, the former footballer, 53, said he decided to make a comeback as he missed the other contestants ‘more than anything else in the world.’

The sports icon, who famously cried after England lost to West Germany during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Turin, wore an arm brace as he hugged his co-stars – who couldn’t contain their joy over his arrival. 

He’s back! Paul Gascoigne made an emotional return to the Italian I’m A Celebrity after being rushed to hospital with a shoulder injury he sustained during an endurance game

YouTuber Awed showered his close friend with hugs and kisses as the two created a special bond in recent weeks.

The former England midfielder strolled along the island on the notes of the British national anthem God Save The Queen.

Doctors have instructed Gazza to follow specific rules in order to support his recovery.  

The retired athlete will not be able to take part in any other games and will sleep on a camp bed, while the other contestants continue to rough it on sand.  

Bikini-clad: His co-stars Elisa Isoardi and Angela Melillo strolled along the beach in Honduras before Gazza's appearance

Bikini-clad: His co-stars Elisa Isoardi and Angela Melillo strolled along the beach in Honduras before Gazza’s appearance

Overwhelmed: The sports icon famously cried after England lost to West Germany during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Turin (pictured)

Overwhelmed: The sports icon famously cried after England lost to West Germany during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Turin (pictured)

In good company: During Thursday's Island Of The Famous, the footballer, 53, said he decided to make a comeback as he missed the other contestants 'more than anything else in the world'

In good company: During Thursday’s Island Of The Famous, the footballer, 53, said he decided to make a comeback as he missed the other contestants ‘more than anything else in the world’

Yay! Gazza wore an arm brace as his co-stars couldn't contain their joy over his arrival

Recovery: He supported his right arm in a sling

Yay! Gazza wore an arm brace as his co-stars couldn’t contain their joy over his arrival

Cheery: The TV star grinned from ear-to-ear and was dressed in a white shirt and red shorts

Cheery: The TV star grinned from ear-to-ear and was dressed in a white shirt and red shorts

Earlier this week, Paul revealed he would be willing to return to the programme despite his accident. 

The former Lazio star said he is ‘quite good’ and added that his shoulder is ‘so, so’ as the presenter Ilary Blasi asked for updates on his health condition.

During an episode last week, Paul could be seen gripping his arm in pain after completing an assault course with his fellow islanders.

He appeared in good spirits later on as he joked that the doctors spoke better English than the show’s host, Ilary.

Ouch: Paul appeared to be in the midst of completing an assault course with his fellow Islanders when he got his injury (pictured on the show)

Ouch: Paul appeared to be in the midst of completing an assault course with his fellow Islanders when he got his injury (pictured on the show)

Restricted: Doctors have instructed Gazza to follow specific rules in order to support his recovery (pictured with Miryea Stabile)

Nice to see you again: Daniela Martani also embraced the star

Restricted: Doctors have instructed Gazza to follow specific rules in order to support his recovery (pictured with Miryea Stabile, left, and Daniela Martani, right)

Dynamic duo: YouTuber Awed showered his close friend with hugs and kisses as the two created a special bond in recent weeks

Dynamic duo: YouTuber Awed showered his close friend with hugs and kisses as the two created a special bond in recent weeks

Welcome back: The Gateshead native was also warmly greeted by actress Francesca Lodo

Welcome back: The Gateshead native was also warmly greeted by actress Francesca Lodo 

Let's go! Paul was cheered on by the fellow stars as he resumed his stint after a few days away in hospital

Let’s go! Paul was cheered on by the fellow stars as he resumed his stint after a few days away in hospital

Orders: The retired athlete will not be able to take part in any other games and will sleep on a camp bed, while the other contestants continue to rough it on sand

Orders: The retired athlete will not be able to take part in any other games and will sleep on a camp bed, while the other contestants continue to rough it on sand

Paul also said he will go clubbing with footballer and Ilary’s husband, Francesco Totti, once the show is over.

Viewers have taken to Twitter to show their support and appreciation to the English contestant. 

One person said: ‘Give us Paul Gascoigne back.’

While another wrote: ‘Gascoigne is the number 1, he makes me laugh so much with his random names and crazy stories. I love him.’

A third wrote: ‘Paul Gascoigne is my winner.’

Hey there! The former England midfielder strolled along the island on the notes of the British national anthem God Save The Queen

Hey there! The former England midfielder strolled along the island on the notes of the British national anthem God Save The Queen

A different viewer read: ‘Anyway, Gascoigne and Totti would score a lot together! Beware Ilary!!’

Another penned: ‘Paul Gascoigne, let’s be best friends.’

One other added: ‘I watching Isola [I’m A Celeb] just for Paul Gascoigne.’

According to The Sun, producers of the series met on recently to discuss whether Paul is fit enough to continue on with the show.

Paul was flown to hospital for emergency check-ups after his injury, forcing him to temporarily pull out of filming.

A friend of Paul’s told the publication: ‘He’s dislocated his shoulder. It’s such a shame as he was doing so well.

‘He’s resting while the medical team check him out. The producers are very concerned. He may be pulled out. There are insurance issues as well for them to consider.’

MailOnline contacted a representative for Paul Gascoigne for comment.   

Paul appeared to be in the midst of completing an assault course with his fellow Islanders when he got his injury, stripping down to a pair of red beach shorts and a blue life vest.

He had to dash across the beach before climbing over a netted wall, wading through another cargo net and climbing onto the platform to shoot a ball through a basketball hoop. 

Turning heads: Earlier in the day, influencer Miryea stunned in a baby blue bikini

Turning heads: Earlier in the day, influencer Miryea stunned in a baby blue bikini

Unwind: Valentina Persia and Elisa enjoyed a dip in the sea during a brief break from their duties

Unwind: Valentina Persia and Elisa enjoyed a dip in the sea during a brief break from their duties

The celebrities were competing to win a treat of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, but it was soon clear that Paul had injured himself. 

Gripping his arm in pain, the host could be heard saying: ‘What’s happened to Paul, he looks in trouble?’

Contestant Gilles Rocca helped Paul away from the cameras to the medical team and correspondent Massimiliano Rosolino told viewers: ‘He hurt his shoulder. The doctor is there and he helped him right away. I don’t know how he is but we have an extraordinary team.’

He later confirmed: ‘Paul is with the medics but the initial view is that he is not seriously hurt.’

'I'm quite good': Earlier this week, Paul revealed he would be willing to return to the programme despite his accident

‘I’m quite good’: Earlier this week, Paul revealed he would be willing to return to the programme despite his accident 

Paul was then noticeably absent for the rest of that evening’s show, and missed the latest round of nominations.  

Gazza is reportedly being paid around 7,000 euros (£5,981) for each week he is taking part in the show.

According to the newspaper Il Messaggero, he has signed a contract for the weekly fee alongside actress Vera Gemma, actor Brando Giorgi, former Italian Strictly star Giles Rocca and actor Roberto Ciufoli.

TV presenter Elisa Isoardi is reportedly the contestant who has signed for the highest weekly wage, 15,000 euros (£12,816).Paul had been studying Italian as he waited to fly out to the island.