15 June 2024 , 18:49
1441
0
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have paid an emotional tribute to Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill in hospital.
Hansen worked with Lineker and Shearer for many years on BBC Match of the Day, with the Liverpool legend becoming a pundit after he hung up his boots in 1991. The 69-year-old retired from punditry in 2014.
And during the BBC's coverage of Italy vs Albania at Euro 2024, Lineker and Shearer sent a message of support to Hansen. "It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day," Lineker said.
"The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all." A visibly emotional Shearer then added: "We're all great friends with Al. We know his character, we know he's a fighter and we know how tough he is.
"We're thinking of you big man, we're with you and we're hoping and we're praying for you." Lineker continued: "We certainly are. Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.
Happy Valley's James Norton teases Tommy's 'deep hatred' in final series
"To use an analogy from Alan's favourite 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 known a more competitive person in my life. We're all with you big Al."
Liverpool announced last week that Hansen was in hospital and his former Liverpool and Scotland teammate Graeme Souness has also said he is "praying" his friend will return to good health.
"It's a desperate time for his wife, Janet, his children, Adam and Lucy, and everybody who is close to him," Souness wrote for the Daily Mail. "I'm praying, I don't know who to, but I'm praying that he will be around soon to return to his usual p***-taking duties.
"Alan is a rare breed in life, as I don't know anyone who has a bad word to say about him. The best footballing centre back ever. He's a rascal with a ruthless sense of humour. Great company, a great storyteller... and apparently a great memory.
"That banter we had and that we used to share at Liverpool, those are days I wish I could live all over again. He is the best of men. I just can't believe he is fighting for his life."