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

Gary Lineker was holding back tears on live TV as he dedicated a message to his former Match of the Day colleague Alan Hansen. The moving moments were while Lineker was hosting BBC's coverage of the Euro 2024 match between Italy and Albania on Saturday evening (June 15), where he took time out to talk about the Liverpool icon who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

Hansen, a beloved figure at Anfield prior to embarking on an incredibly successful career as a pundit, had his serious health condition confirmed by Liverpool last week. The club stated that it was in contact with the 69 year old's family and would pass on updates to worried fans when they become available.

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

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On Saturday night ahead of the game, Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer, extended heartfelt tributes to their former co-worker.

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 was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn't it Alan? ", reports Wales Online.

To this, Shearer said:"Oh absolutely," and added: "We're great friends with Al, we know his character, we know how tough he is."

Showing visible emotion, the former Newcastle striker further added: "So, we're thinking of you big man. We're with you, we're hoping and we're 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 of Alan's favourite pasttime, golf, you may 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."

The sentiments were echoed following an update from Hansen's former teammate Graeme Souness on his condition: "He is one of life's good guys and we're all saying a prayer for him. I spoke to his wife, Janet, a few days ago and you can imagine the state he's in, but I'm telling you, he's one of the best guys you could meet, a proper human being in every sense."

In a sombre segment earlier, Lineker alongside Shearer, Micah Richards, and Cesc Fabregas paid their respects to the late former Arsenal and Cardiff striker Kevin Campbell, who passed away at 54, and 26 year old Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic whose death was announced this morning.

After reminiscing about both individuals, Lineker said: "It has been a terrible day".