Gary Lineker fighting back tears while delivering live TV message to colleague summed him up

Gary Lineker was to his former colleague, last year. While presenting live coverage of with took a moment to speak about the legend who was at the time seriously ill in hospital.

The Scottish pundit, a mainstay on MOTD until 2014, found himself hospitalised in June due to ill health, and Lineker, showing his solidarity, reached out to the 69-year-old on television. He said: "Before we move on, it's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day.

"The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn't it Alan?" Shearer responded: "Oh absolutely. We're great friends with Al, we know his character, we know how tough he is.

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"So, we're thinking of you big man. We're with you, we're hoping and we're praying for you." Lineker added: "We certainly are. Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.

"To use an analogy of Alan's favourite pastime, you may be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it's Alan. I've never known a more competitive person in my life - we're all with you, Big Al."

Thankfully, Hansen has since left the hospital and is recovering well, with the former First Division champion getting ready to present Liverpool with the trophy come Sunday. It is reported that Hansen is set to present the trophy to after his club's final match of the season against at Anfield, with Mark and Jo McVeigh of the Owen McVeigh Foundation also contributing to the ceremony.

The McVeighs established the charity in loving memory of their son Owen in 2015, who passed away from leukaemia, and they're dedicated to supporting families going through similar situations in partnership with Meanwhile, Lineker is gearing up for his Match of the Day finale on Sunday, severing his ties with the following an impressive 26-year run anchoring the leading football highlights programme.

The former and striker had initially said in November that he would hang up his MOTD microphone after the 2024/25 Premier League season whilst still intending to host the BBC's and World Cup programmes in 2026. However, a sudden shift unfolded this week as Lineker shared that he will leave the BBC entirely.

This decision came in the wake of controversy stirred by a social media post Lineker shared about Zionism, which included a rat emoji – something historically linked to anti-Semitism. Facing backlash over the contentious post, Lineker took to social media on Monday to confirm his full departure from the broadcasting corporation.

He said: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji.

"If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology.

"I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that."

He added: "So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show."

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