Gary Lineker recently appeared on the talk show “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” and discussed his thoughts on being at the top of his game. The former football player, who is now in his early 60s, revealed that he still looks fantastic and joked about not being as athletic as people may expect. Lineker expressed his excitement about the upcoming World Cup, despite not being a huge football fan himself. He talked about the national pride associated with the tournament and how everyone gets caught up in the excitement.
When asked if he misses playing professionally, Lineker admitted that he doesn’t miss the training but does miss the thrill of the big games and scoring important goals. He shared his experience playing in World Cups and how the pressure can be tremendous. Lineker explained that during the tournaments, players are often cocooned in an environment focused solely on football, away from distractions and criticisms.
Jonathan Ross asked Lineker about England’s chances in the upcoming World Cup. Lineker stated that England is not one of the favorites but still has an outside chance. He mentioned strong teams like Spain and Brazil while emphasizing the importance of keeping key players fit, particularly Wayne Rooney. Lineker praised Rooney’s talent and leadership qualities and acknowledged the pressure on him to perform well.
The conversation then briefly shifted to the BBC’s lavish glass studio built in South Africa for the World Cup. Lineker shared his excitement about visiting South Africa and expected it to be a colorful and vibrant event, especially in Africa where football holds significant importance.
Ross couldn’t resist asking about the “WAGs” (wives and girlfriends) of the footballers attending the World Cup. Lineker commented that the WAGs’ presence had become more low-key compared to previous tournaments, as they could provide distractions. He jokingly mentioned the possibility of footballers wanting their partners to be there but understood the need for focus.
Finally, Lineker addressed his recent decision to quit working for a newspaper as a protest. He is an ambassador for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup and believed that the article published by the newspaper damaged the bid’s reputation. Lineker stepped down as a show of support for the bid’s integrity and the country’s opportunity to host the prestigious event.
Overall, Lineker’s appearance on “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” was filled with lively discussions about football, the World Cup, and his personal experiences. The episode showcased his enthusiasm for the game and his dedication to promoting England’s bid to host the tournament.
