Gary Lineker looks visibly emotional as he and Alan Shearer pay tribute to Alan Hansen on BBC...

Gary Lineker's Emotional Tribute To Alan Hansen On BBC Coverage Of Italy's Euro 2024 Opener Vs Albania

Posted: 9:02 PM BST, June 15, 2024 | Revised: 10:51 PM BST, June 15, 2024

During BBC's live broadcast of Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania, Gary Lineker expressed his heartfelt regards for Alan Hansen, his former Match of the Day co-host who is presently receiving medical treatment in hospital.

People in the football community have expressed their support for the famous Liverpool and Scotland player, and the team led by Steve Clarke conveyed their positive thoughts towards Hansen as they prepare for their first match in Euro 2024 against Germany this coming Friday.

Hansen was a part of the BBC TV series for two decades. When people heard that he had become sick without warning, Lineker expressed his support for the ex-Liverpool player on a social media platform now known as X. Lineker wrote, "This is terrible news. I hope Alan, Janet, and their loved ones are okay."

Before Italy's first game in Euro 2024 versus Albania started, the presenter of Match of the Day took some time during the live show to send a heartfelt message to his ex-coworker.

The ex-footballer from England has stated that it has been a challenging week for everyone linked to the television program Match of the Day.

Gary Lineker showed his respect and honor to Alan Hansen, a prominent figure of Liverpool, who is currently facing serious health troubles and receiving medical attention in a hospital.

Lineker, who was Hansen's colleague on Match of the Day for a number of years, took the opportunity to send his best wishes to his former associate while the BBC was airing Italy vs Albania.

Addressing his coworker Alan Shearer, he said: 'We were all astonished to hear that Alan Hansen had fallen seriously ill in the hospital, isn't that right, Alan?'

The ex-Newcastle forward answered: 'Certainly. Al is a good pal of ours, we understand his personality and that he never gives up. We know he's resilient and can handle difficult situations.'

Shearer additionally stated: 'We have you in our thoughts, and we stand beside you. We want the best for you, and we're using our faith to support you.'

Lineker stated: 'All individuals affiliated with Match of the Day extend their affection and consideration to Janet, Lucy, Adam, and their grandchildren.

Let me use a comparison related to Alan's chosen leisure activity, golf. He may be behind by three points with only four moves left, but Alan has the capability to turn the game around. I haven't come across a person with a stronger drive to win than Alan. Rest assured, we're all rooting for you, Alan!

Hansen started his football journey with Sauchie in Scotland and subsequently joined Partick Thistle in 1973. He transferred to Liverpool in 1977 and played a whopping 614 games for them, scoring 14 goals and helping out with 19 assists, before ultimately calling time on his career in 1991.

At the age of 69, he declined the opportunity to become a manager and instead chose to enter the field of broadcasting. He secured roles at both Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Afterwards, he became a co-presenter for BBC Match of the Day in the year 1992. He decided to depart from the show in 2014. During his time with the BBC, he had the opportunity to feature in 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships, and one Olympics.

In the photo, Alan Shearer appeared deeply moved as he expressed his kind and caring thoughts for the ex-Scottish footballer.

Hansen (on the right) had a successful and illustrious career with Liverpool, achieving victories in the first division a total of eight times.

The man from Scotland (shown in the picture) decided to stop working in 1991 and became a broadcaster. He worked as a co-host on Match of the Day.

Hansen and Lineker collaborated on BBC Match of the Day for multiple years.

The Liverpool soccer team expressed their good thoughts to Hansen, announcing on the team's webpage: 'Liverpool FC's entire staff is thinking of our remarkable ex-leader Alan Hansen, who is currently unwell and in hospital.'

Hansen was an extremely skilled defender who was greatly respected for his style of play. He received many prestigious awards during his 14 years with the Reds, having joined from Partick Thistle in 1977. Among his accolades were eight league championships, three European Cups, two FA Cups, and three League Cups.

The footballer nicknamed "Jockey" holds a position in the club's top 10 players with the most appearances, achieving a total of 620 matches played. Moreover, he served as the captain of Liverpool for a period of four seasons, being a Scottish centre-back.

At the moment, we are communicating with the family of Alan to offer our assistance during this challenging period. Our feelings, desires, and optimism are with Alan and all the members of the Hansen family.