Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer send emotional messages to Liverpool legend Alan Hansen

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have sent emotional messages of support to Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

The former England footballers took a break from presenting the BBC’s Euro 2024 show between Italy and Albania on Saturday night to send their best wishes to the great Anfield.

Both Lineker and Shearer have presented Match of the Day alongside veteran analyst Hansen for many years. Lineker emphasized his shock at the news of the Scot’s condition and invited Shearer to also say a few words about the great man.

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Looking straight into the camera during the build-up to Saturday’s game, Lineker said: “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 added: “Oh absolutely, we’re all great friends with Al. We know he’s a character and a fighter and how tough he is, so we’re thinking big and hoping and praying for you.”

Lineker continued: “Everyone at Match Of The Day sends their love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.

“To use an analogy with Alan’s favorite pastime, golf, he might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan. I have never met a more competitive person in my life. We are all with you Big Al.”

It came after the presentation panel, which also included Micah Richards, paid tribute to former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, whose death at the age of 54 was announced this morning.

This followed the equally shocking news that Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic had died aged 26.