Wayne Lineker, the 63-year-old club owner, has disclosed that he secretly entered rehab earlier this year and is now more than two months sober. In a candid Instagram post on Friday, he shared that he is learning to enjoy life without alcohol or drugs, describing the experience as “exciting” and noting that he feels fresh every morning.
Lineker, who owns the O Beach venue in Dubai, admitted he sought treatment for addiction to alcohol and other mind-altering substances. He wrote, “Yes I went in to rehab!! And I said yes yes yes! Best thing I ever did. It was for both alcohol addiction and other mind altering substances.” He added that he is 72 days clean and hopes to inspire others, stating, “If Wayne can give up ANYONE CAN!!”
The businessman’s sobriety milestone coincides with a reconciliation with his older brother, former England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The brothers had been estranged for 17 years, allegedly due to tensions surrounding Gary’s ex-wife Danielle Bux. Wayne claimed their relationship soured after a family holiday in Ibiza in 2008 and that he felt “confused” when contact ceased.
Last month, the brothers reunited at the wedding of Wayne’s daughter Tia in Mallorca. Wayne posted a photo of them smiling together, captioned: “Great to see my bro and my nephews at my daughters wedding #reunited #happy #family.”
