Gary Lineker delivered an emotional tribute to former Match of the Day co-host Alan Hansen, who is seriously ill in hospital during BBC's live broadcast of Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania.
Members of the footballing world have been sending 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 the news was announced that he had unexpectedly fallen ill, Lineker had led the well wishes to the former Liverpool star, writing on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family’.
Ahead of Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania, the Match of the Day host took a moment during the live broadcast to issue another emotional message to his former colleague.
'It's been a tough week for everyone associated with Match of the Day,' the former England forward said.
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 great friends with Al, we know his character we know he's a fighter, we know how tough he is.
Shearer added: 'We're thinking of you big man and we're with you, we're hoping and we're praying for you.'
Lineker added: 'Everyone at Match of the Day sends love and thoughts to Janet, Lucy and Adam and the grand children.
'To use an analogy of Alan's favourite pasttime, golf, he might be three down with four to play, but if anyone can come back from it, it's Alan. I've never known a more competitive person in my life. We're all with you big Al.'
Hansen began his footballing career with Sauchie in Scotland before moving on to play for Partick Thistle in 1973. He'd join Liverpool in 1977 and would go on to make 614 appearances for the Merseyside outfit, returning 14 goals and 19 assists before retiring in 1991.
The 69-year-old rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.
He'd subsequently join up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championshpis and one Olympics with the BBC.
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.'
'A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen's outstanding raft of honours across a 14-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 for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.
'The club is currently in contact with Alan's family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.'