Match of the Day host Gary Lineker described Alan Hansen's release from hospital as "The best news ever".
Hansen, a long-time panelist on the BBC show, was seriously ill in hospital after being admitted in early June. However, the former Liverpool and Scotland defender was discharged on Sunday.
"Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home," Liverpool wrote in a statement sent out on Sunday afternoon. "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."
A statement from the Reds a fortnight ago said Hansen was “seriously ill”, but he is on the mend and will now continue his recovery at home. His family released a statement on Sunday thanking fans for their support, while Lineker shared his own reaction on social media.
“Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home," the statement from Hansen's family read. “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. Thank you.”
Gary Lineker brands Kepa "pound shop Emi Martinez" after humbling failureEarlier in the week, Graeme Souness offered a positive update on Hansen’s condition. The former Liverpool and Scotland star told talkSPORT: “I spoke to him and he sounded fabulous so I hope that’s him on the way to a full recovery.
“He’s definitely back because he did nothing but take the mickey out of me. He’s been in a difficult place but the way he sounded, he’s back, and I hope I’m right.”
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Lineker's comments come a little over a week after he showed his support for Hansen live on TV. The former England striker was presenting the BBC's coverage of the Euro 2024 game between Italy and Albania, and used the opportunity to share an update on his former Match of the Day colleague.
"We're thinking of you big man, we're with you and we're hoping and we're praying for you." Lineker said: "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 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."
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