Gary Lineker has shared a candid look at his family life as he opened up on his son's health battle. The former World Cup hero paid tribute to his 'fitness machine' son after enduring a 'really brutal' start to family life following a blood cancer diagnosis.
Lineker's eldest son, George, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as an infant and was given a survival rate of between 10 and 20 percent. Appearing on the Louis Theroux podcast, the former striker laid bare just how worrying those early years were for George and the wider family, including ex-wife Michelle.
Lineker Describes the Ordeal
'It was really, really brutal. It was so tough,' Lineker said. 'Michelle spent seven months in the hospital. Didn't leave it, except when we popped out for dinner some nights. I was there all in the daytime.' He added that there wasn't enough space for both of them to sleep there, so he returned to training and playing football, which provided a helpful distraction.
Football as a Lifeline
The ex-forward was appearing for Tottenham Hotspur at the time of his son's diagnosis and acknowledged the club played a pivotal role in supporting him through the gruelling period. 'It was in the middle of the season. They gave a leave of absence. I didn't play for a few weeks and then I went back to training. And actually, do you know what, football at that point was the only time that I didn't think about it,' Lineker explained.
'And I could switch off a little bit and I got back playing again a few weeks later. But, you know, back to the hospital all day and it was incredibly tough. But whilst there was always a little bit of hope, you sort of clung to that.'
Doctor's Brutal Diagnosis
Recalling the doctors' assessment of George's slim odds of survival, Lineker added: 'I remember that first conversation after they'd got the proper diagnosis and we said, 'Well, what does this mean?' And they said, 'Well, it depends on which one he's got.' But it was acute myeloid leukemia. And they said, 'Well, the chances of survival are probably between 10 and 20%.' You know, Georgie's now 34, incredibly healthy and well amazing. They're very honest doctors.'
George's Current Health
The former Tottenham forward's son is now in good health. Lineker acknowledged that George may yet face further complications in the years ahead, but revealed that his eldest son is now in excellent shape. 'I mean, there are a few things that are possible side effects over the years, but he's great,' he said. 'He's amazing. He's in good health. He's a fitness machine. Works out every day. He's doing really well. And he's got a lovely sense of humour about the whole thing.'
Lineker shares four sons with his former wife Michelle: George, Harry, Tobias and Angus. The couple parted ways in 2006 after 20 years of marriage, with the former BBC presenter telling The Times in 2022 that he was not considering remarrying at present. 'It's nice to be unanswerable in a slightly selfish way and I'm not actively seeking a partner right now. I had two wonderful marriages and now I'm single and I'm in a good place, but that might change,' he said.
