Gary Lineker has released a four-word statement on social media to express his delight at the news that his former Match of the Day colleague, Alan Hansen, has been released from hospital.
The ex-Liverpool player was admitted to hospital earlier this month after falling seriously ill.
Many from the football community have sent their well wishes and messages of support to Hansen, with Mail Sport columnist Graeme Souness providing a positive update on his former teammate’s health earlier this week.
On Sunday, Liverpool published a statement on their club website saying the former defender had been released from hospital, before thanking those who had sent him messages of support.
“Alan has been released from hospital today to continue his recovery at home,” the football club wrote.
Gary Lineker (pictured) sent a four-word message after it was announced that Alan Hansen had been released from hospital
Hansen (right) was hospitalized earlier this month after becoming seriously ill
‘Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everyone for their wonderful messages of love and support. It was overwhelming and helped enormously.
“We also greatly appreciate the continued respect shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery.”
Liverpool also published the news on their
Several other big names from the world of football also took to X to express their joy at the news, with Glenn Hoddle writing: ‘What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and home. Take it easy, big man!’
John Aldridge added: ‘Great news to see my old friend Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital’
Lineker had previously paid an emotional tribute to Hansen during BBC’s live broadcast of Italy’s Euro 2024 victory against Albania on June 15.
The former Everton and Tottenham star took a moment to send a message to Hansen, saying: ‘It’s been a tough week for everyone involved in Match of the Day.’
Turning to his colleague Alan Shearer, he added: ‘The news that Alan Hansen was seriously ill in hospital shocked us all, didn’t it Alan?’
The former Newcastle striker responded: “Oh absolutely. We are good friends with Al, we know his character, we know he is a fighter, we know how strong he is.
Shearer added: “We are thinking of you great man and we are with you, we hope and we pray for you.”
Lineker sent a four-word message after Liverpool announced Hansen had left hospital
In a statement, Liverpool wrote that Hansen would continue his recovery from home
Many from the football community followed Lineker’s example and expressed their delight at the news
Lineker added: “Everyone at Match of the Day is sending love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grandchildren.
‘To use an analogy with Alan’s favorite pastime, golf: he may be three down and four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it’s Alan. I have never known a more competitive person in my life. We’re all with you, big Al.”
Lineker had passed on congratulations to Hansen, who had worked on Match of the Day for 20 years, writing on X: ‘Horrible news. Our thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”
Hansen enjoyed an impressive career as a professional footballer, starting his career with Scottish side Sauchie before moving to Partick Thistle.
He would join Liverpool in 1977 and make 614 appearances for the Reds, going on to win three European Cups, eight First Division titles and two FA Cups.
After it was revealed he had been admitted to hospital, Liverpool released a heartfelt statement showing their support for their former player.
“The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital,” the club wrote.
Hansen (right) worked on Match of the Day for twenty years, with Lineker (left) joining him as host
Hansen (right) had a brilliant career, with Liverpool winning the First Division eight times
Several big names from the football world have sent their well wishes to Hansen
‘He is a defender of the utmost elegance. Hansen’s stellar run of accolades during a fourteen-year spell with the Reds included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
‘The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to offer our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all the Hansen family. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
Several other ex-pros and clubs sent their well wishes via social media, including Mark Lawrenson, who posted on X: ‘Come on Big Al – you can beat this… Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy and all the family.. .XX’
Jamie Carragher and Andy Robertson both shared their messages of support, while Everton wrote on X: ‘Get well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.”