Gary Lineker reveals ‘exciting’ family bombshell as football legend reveals surprise new role awaits
The former England striker and ex-Match of the Day presenter has revealed he is preparing for a major family milestone as he and Gordon Ramsay discussed becoming first-time grandparents.
Gary Lineker is preparing to become a grandfather for the first time.
The 65-year-old former England striker and long-time Match of the Day presenter made the announcement while speaking to 59-year-old celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay – who is also expecting to become a first-time grandfather – during the latest episode of The Rest Is Football.
The revelation comes during a period of change for Gary following his departure from the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme, which he fronted for more than 25 years after an illustrious playing career with Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and England.
It also follows recent comments in which Gary said he was content with single life after a decade of bachelorhood and had no plans to marry or live with another partner again.
Gary told Gordon: “We’ve got something else in common – we’re both about to become grandparents for the first time. How exciting is that?!”
Gordon replied: “I am secretly petrified because until they can talk and communicate with you, you can’t do much, we’re not going to f****** breastfeed, are we?”
Gary shares four sons with his former wife Michelle – George, 34, Harry, 32, Tobias, 30, and Angus, 28.
The couple divorced in 2006 after more than two decades of marriage.
Last year, Gary celebrated Harry’s wedding to his wife Annabelle in Ibiza, where he was also reunited with his younger brother Wayne after the pair ended a family rift that had lasted 17 years.
The disagreement dated back to 2008 when Gary began a relationship with model Danielle Bux and took her on a family holiday to Ibiza, a move that reportedly caused tension between the brothers.
Earlier this month, Gary spoke candidly about his personal life during an appearance on Louis Theroux’s podcast, explaining he had become comfortable living alone.
Gary said: “I like being on my own. I’ve got so accustomed to it now and being slightly selfish, but unanswerable to anyone.”
Asked whether he was “just alone in a big house”, Gary replied: “Me and a dog. But my boys are always around... I’m absolutely happy on my own.”
When the conversation turned to romance, Gary said: “No, I think I’m done. I don’t know, you never know, but I just can’t imagine actually living with someone again.”
Asked about his “physical needs”, Gary joked “you get to a certain age where it’s so much effort”, before quipping about “a big blue pill”.
He added: “It might change, but you know, I love women’s company. I’ve got a lot of friends that I go out to dinner with.”
Gary has previously spoken about one of the most difficult periods in his family’s life, when his eldest son George was diagnosed with leukaemia at just eight weeks old.
George underwent seven months of chemotherapy after doctors initially gave him a survival chance of “10 to 20 per cent”. The treatment proved successful and he was later given the all-clear.
The announcement of Gary’s first grandchild marks another milestone for the former footballer, whose career has spanned success on the pitch with England and Barcelona, and a second act as one of British broadcasting’s most recognisable sports presenters through Match of the Day and The Rest Is Football.
