Gary Lineker has praised his “fitness machine” son after suffering a “really brutal” beginning to family life with a blood cancer diagnosis. The former World Cup star was candid about the struggles George faced as he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as a baby.
Lineker’s eldest son was given a survival rate of between 10 and 20%. Speaking on the Louis Theroux podcast, the former striker detailed just how tough early life was for George and the family, including ex-wife Michelle
Lineker said: “It was really, really brutal. It was so tough. 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.
“There wasn’t enough space for us both to sleep there anyway. I didn’t play for about three or four weeks, but actually when I went back to training, football was so helpful for me then.”
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
The ex-forward was playing for Tottenham Hotspur at the time of his son’s diagnosis and admitted the club played a major part in helping him through the challenging situation. Lineker explained: “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.
View 3 ImagesLineker’s son George is now in great health(Image: Lia Toby/Getty Images for the NTA’s)
“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.”
Reflecting on what the doctors said about George’s slim chances, 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.”
The former England international admits there could be further side effects down the line for George but revealed that the eldest Lineker boy is now in great health. He said: “I mean, there are a few things that are possible side effects over the years, but he’s great.
View 3 ImagesThe former England international has four sons from his marriage with Michelle(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
“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 has four sons with ex-wife Michelle – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus. The couple divorced in 2006 after 20 years of marriage with the the former BBC presenter admitting to The Times in 2022 that finding another wife was off the cards for now.
Article continues below
He said: “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.”
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£44SkyGet the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.