Gary Lineker announces death of his mother in moving Twitter post
GARY LINEKER'S mother has passed away, the former England international has confirmed on Twitter.
Gary Lineker
In a moving tweet this afternoon, the BBC football commentator his mum Margaret as a "wonderful, beautiful mother" and said he was "profoundly saddened".
He added: "She will though live on in my heart and mind. #RIPMum"
I am profoundly saddened to tell you that my wonderful, beautiful mother has left us. She will though live on in my heart and mind. #RIPMum
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 29, 2015
Lineker revealed on Saturday this his mother was "very poorly" and that as a result he would not be fronting the football highlights show Match of the Day.
The 76-year-old had spent time living in Spain but was flown back to the UK for emergency treatment in 2012.
The cause of the death is not yet known but Mrs Lineker, who only has one kidney, was reported to be receiving dialysis four times a week in 2013.
The ex-striker is thought to have travelled to the Isle of Wight at the weekend Mrs Lineker lived.
Lineker's brother Wayne posted on his Twitter account further details of their mother's death.
He said Margaret passed away at 1pm today after a "tough and painful 2 years".
His mother has suffered from "intense medical problems" relating to her kidneys and was having dialysis three times a week alongside a "mountain of other problems".
He added: "It was a special moment when she left as she was so very peaceful.
"She had her family and closest friends by her side. Finally she will be happy. I will miss her dearly. Love forever."
@GaryLineker so very sorry to hear that mate. Deepest condolences to you and all the family.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 29, 2015
There was an outpouring of emotion after the news broke this afternoon, with fans of the football legend messaging him on Twitter to pay their respects.
Piers Morgan tweeted "so very sorry to hear that mate. Deepest condolences to you and all the family", to which Lineker tweeted his thanks.
And Rio Ferdinand messaged: "Thoughts are with @GaryLineker & his family."
Thoughts are with @GaryLineker & his family.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 29, 2015
@GaryLineker thinking of you Gary and sending best wishes - Al
— Aled Jones (@realaled) September 29, 2015
@officialroycey thank you
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 29, 2015