Gary Lineker fights back tears with emotional message to seriously ill Alan Hansen on live TV

Gary Lineker held back tears on live TV as he dedicated a message to his former Match of the Day colleague Alan Hansen. The emotional moments came as Lineker hosted the BBC’s coverage of the Euro 2024 match between Italy and Albania on Saturday night (June 15), where he took time to talk about the Liverpool icon, who is currently critically ill in hospital.

Hansen, a beloved figure at Anfield before embarking on an incredibly successful career as a pundit, had his serious health condition confirmed by Liverpool last week. The club said it had been in contact with the 69-year-old’s family and would pass on updates to concerned fans as they became available.

This Scottish football legend contributed his expertise to Match of the Day for 22 years before retiring at the end of the 2013/14 season. For most of those years, Lineker worked alongside him.

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On Saturday night, ahead of the match, Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer paid heartfelt tribute to their former colleague.

Lineker said: “Before we move on, it’s been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day,” adding: “The news that Alan Hansen has been seriously ill in hospital has shocked us all, hasn’t it , Alan?”, reports. Wales Online.

To this, Shearer said: “Oh absolutely,” adding: “We’re great friends with Al, we know his character, we know how tough he is.”

Showing visible emotion, the former Newcastle striker went on to add: “So we’re thinking of you big man. We’re with you, we’re hoping and 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 with Alan’s favorite pastime, golf, you might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan.”

“I’ve never met a more competitive person in my life – we’re all with you, Big Al.”

Feelings were reignited following an update from Hansen’s former team-mate Graeme Souness on his condition: “He’s one of life’s good guys and we’re all praying for him. I spoke to his wife, Janet, a few days ago and you. I can imagine the state he is in, but I tell you he is one of the best men you could meet, a proper human being in every way.”

In a somber segment earlier, Lineker, alongside Shearer, Micah Richards and Cesc Fabregas, paid tribute to the late former Arsenal and Cardiff forward Kevin Campbell, who has died aged 54, and Millwall goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, whose death was announced this morning. .

After reminiscing about both individuals, Lineker said: “It was a terrible day.”