text: These days, Gazza is a celebrity associated with tears, and battles against drink and depression. But, nearly a quarter of a century ago, Paul Gascoigne was just a footballer. Not an ordinary footballer - he was a brilliantly talented maverick, but still a footballer. And 24 years ago today, he scored what was arguably the finest goal of his career. There are some who might say it was the finest goal ever scored at Wembley. The other main contender for that prize is probably another of his, for England against Scotland at Euro 96. Paul Gascoigne hits the 35-yard free-kick that would cement his place in Tottenham legend . The Spurs midfielder struck a ferocious shot that has gone down as one of the all-time great goals at Wembley . Gascoigne's goal came five minutes into an FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham's arch-rivals, Arsenal . Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman (right) got his hands to the ball but the power on Gascoigne's shot still beat him . But April 14, 1991 was FA Cup semi-final day. Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal. Fierce rivals battling it out for a place in the final when the oldest cup competition in football meant so much to every club that entered. Arsenal won the league that year. But had you asked their fans at Wembley that day whether they would rather win the title or the FA Cup having knocked out Spurs, and many would have opted for the latter. They didn't get the choice, however, and that was because of Gascoigne. It took him just five minutes to make the indelible mark. Tottenham won a free-kick 35 yards from goal. Nobody suspected much. Certainly not Barry Davies, who was commentating on the game for the BBC. Gascoigne runs towards the Spurs fans to celebrate as Vinny Samways (left) joins the wild scenes . The then England star leaps into the air to celebrate his glorious strike at the home of football . Gascoigne's goal set Spurs on their way to a 3-1 victory, and they would go on to beat Nottingham Forest in the final . 'Is Gascoigne going to have a crack?,' he asked. It was a relaxed, throwaway question. 'He is you know,' came the next line shortly after, excitement barely registering. Gascoigne took a run-up at the ball, and swung hard with his right boot. He nailed it, right on the sweet spot. The shot quickly became a cannonball, bursting through David Seaman's gloves and into the top corner of the net, despite the goalkeeper getting his hands to the ball. 'Oh I say!' screamed Davies, whose commentary would now go down in legend as well as the goal. 'Brilliant!' Spurs fans celebrated wildly in the stands. 'That...is... schoolboy's own stuff. Oh, I bet even he can't believe it. 'Is there anything left from this man to surprise us? That is one of the finest free-kicks this stadium has ever seen.' It was, and still is. 24 years from now it still will be. So let's forget for a moment about the Gazza we know today, and simply celebrate the genius of Paul Gascoigne. (left-right) David Howells, Steve Sedgley, Justin Edinburgh and Paul Stewart join Gascoigne to celebrate at the end of the match .
target: It is 24 years to the day since Paul Gascoigne scored in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal .
  Gascoigne struck a fierce 35-yard free-kick that beat David Seaman .
  It was hailed as one of the best goals in Wembley history, and that comment still applies .