Gary Lineker looks visibly emotional as he and Alan Shearer pay tribute to Alan Hansen on BBC Match of the Day ahead of Italy’s Euro 2024 opener vs Albania – as ex-England forward states, ‘we’re all with you big Al’

Gary Lineker paid an emotional tribute to former Match of the Day co-host Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill in hospital, during the BBC’s live broadcast of Italy’s opening Euro 2024 match against Albania.

Members of the football world have sent their well wishes to the Liverpool and Scotland legend, with Steve Clarke’s side sending their thoughts to Hansen ahead of their opening Euro 2024 match against Germany on Friday.

Hansen had worked on the BBC television show for 20 years and after it was revealed he had unexpectedly fallen ill, Lineker sent his well wishes to the former Liverpool star, writing on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Horrible news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

Ahead of Italy’s opening Euro 2024 match against Albania, the Match of the Day presenter took a moment during the live broadcast to deliver another emotional message to his former colleague.

“It’s been a tough week for everyone involved in Match of the Day,” said the former England forward.

Lineker (pictured), who worked with Hansen on Match of the Day for a number of years, took a moment during the BBC’s Italy vs Albania broadcast to send his well wishes to his old colleague.

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 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.”

Hansen started his football career with Sauchie in Scotland before moving on to play for Partick Thistle in 1973. He would join Liverpool in 1977 and make 614 appearances for the Merseyside side, returning 14 goals and 19 assists before retiring in 1991. .

The 69-year-old turned down the offer to move into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions at Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.

He then joined BBC Match of the Day as co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 after covering sixteen FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC.

Alan Shearer (pictured) cut an emotional figure as he sent his well wishes to the former Scotland player

Hansen (right) had a brilliant career, with Liverpool winning the First Division eight times

The Scot (pictured) would retire in 1991 and begin a career in broadcasting, co-hosting the match of the day

Hansen (right) would work with Lineker (left) on BBC Match of the Day for a number of years

Liverpool Football Club sent their well wishes to Hansen, writing on the club’s website: ‘The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.’

‘He is a defender of the utmost elegance. Hansen’s stellar run of trophies during a fourteen-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.’

‘Jockey’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top 10 of all-time appearances for the club, having made 620 appearances, and the Scottish centre-back also captained Liverpool for four seasons.

‘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.’