GARY LINEKER ISSUES HEARTFELT FOUR-WORD STATEMENT AFTER IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT HIS FORMER MATCH OF THE DAY COLLEAGUE ALAN HANSEN, 69, HAD BEEN DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL
- Gary Lineker was one of several ex-pros to express their delight at the news
- Lineker had previously delivered an emotional tribute to Alan Hansen on live TV
- LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Would Portugal be better off without Cristiano Ronaldo?
Gary Lineker has issued a four-word statement on social media to express his delight at the news that his former Match of the Day colleague, Alan Hansen, has been discharged from hospital.
The ex-Liverpool player was admitted to hospital earlier this month after falling seriously ill.
Many from around the footballing community have sent their well wishes and messages of support to Hansen, with Mail Sport columnist Graeme Souness, delivering a positive update on his former team-mate's health earlier in the week.
On Sunday, Liverpool released a statement on their club website stating that the former defender had been released from hospital, before thanking those who have sent him messages of support.
'Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home,' the football club wrote.
'Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support. It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously.
'We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery.'
Liverpool also published the news on their X (formerly Twitter) account with Lineker retweeting the post before writing: 'The best news ever,' adding a 'raised hands emoji'.
Several other big names from the footballing world also took to X to express their delight at the news, with Glenn Hoddle writing: 'What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and at home. Take it easy big man!'
John Aldridge added: 'Great news to see my old mate Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital'
Lineker had previously delivered an emotional tribute to Hansen, during BBC's live broadcast of Italy's Euro 2024 victory against Albania on June 15.
The ex-Everton and Tottenham star took a moment to send a message to Hansen, stating: 'It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day.'
Turning to his colleague Alan Shearer, he added: 'The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn't it Alan?'
The former Newcastle striker responded: 'Oh absolutely. We are great friends with Al, we know his character we know he's a fighter, we know how tough he is.
Shearer added: 'We're thinking of you big man and we're with you, we're hoping and we're praying for you.'
Lineker added: '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, golf, he might 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.'
Lineker had led the well-wishes to Hansen, who had worked on Match of the Day for 20 years, writing on X: 'Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.'
Hansen enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional footballer, beginning his career with Scottish side Sauchie before moving to Partick Thistle.
He'd go on to join Liverpool in 1977 and would make 614 appearances for the Reds, going on to win three European Cups, eight first-division titles and two FA Cups.
After it was revealed that he had been admitted to hospital, Liverpool released a heartfelt statement, issuing their support to their former player.
‘The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,' the club wrote.
‘A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
‘The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family. We request that their privacy is respected at this time.’
Several other ex-pros and clubs took to social media to send their well wishes, including Mark Lawrenson, who posted on X: 'Come on Big Al - you can beat this... Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy and all the family... XX'
Jamie Carragher and Andy Robertson both shared messages of support, while Everton Wrote on X: 'Get well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.'
Read more 2024-06-23T17:37:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd