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      Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

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      CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky rushed to hospital with heart issues as he releases worrying statement

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      FORMER Arsenal star Tomas Rosicky has been rushed to hospital with heart issues.The Czech icon, 44, suffered the health scare last week while working in his role of sporting director at Slavia Prague.Tomas Rosicky has been rushed to hospital with heart issuesCredit: GettyThe Czech ace won an FA Cup during his time in LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdRosicky, who spent 10 years at Arsenal and was tipped to replace transfer chief Edu Gaspar earlier this year, was immediately taken to intensive care at a hospital in Prague.And he is now being treated at home after doctors decided he did not require surgery.Rosicky’s club Sparta Prague confirmed the news in a worrying statement.It read: “Our sporting director, Tomas Rosicky, was unexpectedly hospitalised in the intensive care unit last Tuesday due to heart-related issues. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Neither Tomas nor the club will disclose further details. Fortunately, no surgery was required. Tomas, you have our full support. We’re all thinking of you.”Until this official announcement, only a few closest members of the club and his family were aware of the situation. “Given the seriousness of the matter, both the club and Tomas chose to communicate publicly only after he was released into home care late last week.”Rosicky himself commented on the situation, adding: “As a player and sporting director, I’ve always gone all in. Full effort, no hesitation. Most read in Football”But this situation has shown me that I need to take better care of myself. Poor lifestyle habits, lack of physical activity, and family predispositions unfortunately brought me here. “The good news is that I’m expected to make a full recovery, though I’m currently unable to carry out the demanding responsibilities of a sporting director. Moment bold Arsenal fan bombarded with X-rated chant from Spurs supporters after strolling around Bilbao in Gunners kit”I’ll remain in touch with my colleagues as we’ve always operated as a team. We have a clear vision, strategy, and structured processes in place. The guys will take care of it.”Rosicky started his playing career at Sparta Prague in the 1998/99 season before spending six years at Borussia Dortmund.With two Czech titles and a Bundesliga under his belt, the midfielder joined Arsenal in 2006 for £7million.He went on to score 28 goals in 247 outings while leading the Gunners to the 2014 FA Cup.Rosicky’s time in London was greatly affected by multiple injury issues.And in 2016 he returned to Sparta Prague, where he made just 13 more appearances before retiring in 2018 and taking up his sporting director role.Tomas Rosicky’s career statsSparta Prague, 1998-2001: 67 games, 13 goalsBorussia Dortmund, 2001-2006: 189 games, 24 goalsArsenal, 2006-2016: 247 games, 28 goalsSparta Prague, 2016-2019: 13 games, 1 goalCzech Republic, 2000-2016: 105 games, 23 goalsTrophiesSparta Prague: Czech First League x2Borussia Dortmund: BundesligaArsenal: FA Cup, Community Shield More

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      Erik ten Hag’s return to management CONFIRMED as ex-Man Utd boss replaces Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

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      ERIK TEN HAG has officially been announced as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen.The Dutchman replaces Xabi Alonso, who is set to pen a three-year deal with Real Madrid on Monday.Erik ten Hag is the new manager of Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe Dutchman has penned a two-year dealCredit: GettyTen Hag had been out of work since leaving Manchester United in October.Several clubs – including his beloved Ajax – reportedly approached him during his seven-month hiatus.But the 55-year-old has now committed to Bayer Leverkusen.The former United manager last week signed a two-year deal with Bayer, keeping him at the club until June 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUpon his arrival, he said: “Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.”The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management.”I’ve come to Leverkusen to continue with the ambition shown in recent years. It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team.”Meanwhile, the club’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said: “With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022. “And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times.”Our ideas of football coincide. With technically demanding and dominant football, we want to carry on in the Werkself style and aim for the highest targets in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.”Ten Hag reveals problem with current players in first interview since Man Utd sackingTen Hag was sacked by Man Utd in October following a 30-month spell at Old Trafford.He left the club with United 14th in the Premier League table.United ended the season one place below in 15th with 18 points fewer than last term. More

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      Tottenham ‘mulling over whether to sack Postecoglou as rival Premier League boss eyed as replacement’

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      TOTTENHAM are mulling over whether to sack Ange Postecoglou with a replacement already eyed, reports say. Postecoglou became a Spurs legend overnight having guided the North Londoners to their first trophy in 17 YEARS. Spurs are mulling over whether to sack Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBut despite the Europa League success, it was a worst-ever Premier League finish for Tottenham having ended the season in 17th. According to talkSPORT, Spurs boss Daniel Levy and the board have not yet made a decision on Postecoglou’s future. It is claimed they will wait until the Aussie goes on holiday before deciding on who will be in charge next season. Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to be one of the leading candidates if Postecoglou is sacked. READ MORE IN football Frank does has a hefty release clause in his Brentford contract, believed to be in the region of £9million.But the Dane also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange.Tottenham’s 4-1 loss at home to Brighton on the final day of the season capped off a horror league campaign. But Postecoglou remarkably still called Spurs’ season “OUTSTANDING.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “We won a trophy, which we have not done for 17 years, and we’re in the Champions League.”Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they’d take that and there wouldn’t be a person in the house that wouldn’t.”Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradePostecoglou also fended off “unnecessary” speculation about his future in North London. He said: “You know my gut feeling? My gut feeling is I feel right now that I’ve done something that no one believed I could.”And I shouldn’t be sitting here talking about it (my future). That’s my feeling, but it is what it is. As I said I am and probably I am talking now because I’m tired, mate. “I have to [talk] about another game and I just want to go on a break and enjoy my family and reflect on being part of something unbelievably special, unbelievably special.”I’ve been fortunate to be in this position a number of times, but seeing those scenes Friday and people have reached out and talked to me about how it has affected them what has happened over the last couple of days. “It’s a beautiful thing and I just want to enjoy that. To be honest, the rest of it? You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.”Levy also offered no clarity over Postecoglou’s future in his end-of-season message to Tottenham supporters.Levy’s letter in full read: “Dear all, we did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory.“This is a huge moment for the whole club, an historic achievement that sees us lift our first European trophy since 1984.You know I don’t even want to be talking about it. I just think it is unnecessary.Ange Postecoglou on his Spurs future “This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008 – establishing ourselves as one of the biggest in Europe, moving into our new stadium and experiencing some incredible moments – we knew a trophy was the missing piece.“We’ve come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner.“I’d like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible and thanks to all of our amazing staff – there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes and this moment is for everyone to enjoy.“I’d also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. “I know it’s been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. “But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.“Your support – whether that was in Bilbao, in our own stadium or in pubs and homes around the world – was the driving force behind our team.“This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more.Read More on The Sun“Let’s enjoy this moment as a club together, finish the season strong with a win today and go again next year.“Most of all, be proud. Come on you Spurs!”Postecoglou with Spurs chairman Daniel LevyCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports AXE popular long-running programme loved by Jurgen Klopp leaving staff ‘bewildered by the direction’

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      SKY SPORTS have reportedly left staff “bewildered” after axing a popular long-running programme which counted Jurgen Klopp among its fans.The Football Show was a weekly item taking place each Monday delivering an extensive look at the most recent matches.Sky Sports has axed popular item The Football ShowIt counted ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp among its fansCredit: ReutersHosted by Rob Wotton, it saw pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith also give their thoughts on results, controversies and stand-out player performances.Former Liverpool manager Klopp was known to be a big fan, especially of ex-official Dermot Gallagher who would join for a section called ‘Ref Watch’.However, the Mail claims The Football Show has now been axed in a move that has caused confusion and “dismay” among staff.It’s believed chiefs are hoping to attract a younger audience, with the broadcaster already doing away with various old-school elements in favour of YouTubers and influencers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast year saw the end of the popular Fantasy Football League show after two years.But workers are thought to be “bewildered” by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a “restructure” that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave.However, insiders told The Mail that “the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms.”While Gallagher’s Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe end of The Football Show comes after Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was banned from attending Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.The former Manchester United star had been selected by Sky to commentate on the crunch final day battle.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man UtdBoth sides were able to still qualify for the Champions League.But Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was still fuming over Neville’s comments following his on-pitch clash with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the disastrous 2-2 draw with Leicester.And Sky were forced into a revised production change, with coverage eventually coming from their HQ in Osterley rather than at Forest itself. More

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      Man Utd flops fly to Malaysia for post-season tour just HOURS after Aston Villa win & Amorim’s on-pitch apology to fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED players flew out for their post-season tour of the Far East just HOURS after their Premier League campaign ended. United’s flops managed to finish their horror season on a high after beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford. Manchester United players flew out for their post-season tour of the Far EastCredit: GettyMason Mount enjoys a meal on the planeCredit: GettyToby Collyer looks relaxed on the flightCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes plugs in his headphones for the journeyCredit: GettyAmad Diallo puts his thumbs up as he takes his seatCredit: GettyRuben Amorim was all smilesCredit: GettyAnd manager Ruben Amorim spoke out and apologised to the disgruntled Old Trafford faithful after the match. Just hours after the match and Amorim’s side were on a flight to Malaysia ahead of their post-season tour. United face ASEAN All Stars at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.Then two days later, they conclude in a match against Hong Kong in their 40,000-capacity stadium.READ MORE IN footballAndre Onana – dropped against Aston Villa – posted a video of Mason Mount on their flight to his Snapchat. And pictures revealed Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Amorim enjoying their 15-HOUR flight to Malaysia. Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho also joined the 32-man squad on the plane with only injured Leny Yoro absent. Garnacho’s future at United looks in doubt with reports stating he has been told to find a new club. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Amorim said before Villa’s trip: “Garnacho is a Manchester United player that is not in the squad today, but he continues to be a Manchester United player.”Asked if he will be on the post-season tour, he said: “Yes. Everybody’s going because we have to go and meet our fans and give something to our fans on the other side of the world.”Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man UtdUnited ended up in 15th – their worst Premier League finish – but Amorim took the the mic to tell fans that good times are coming. He said: “First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and with the team”I want to secondly say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season and I know that it’s been really hard. “I know it was really hard to support us in many games but now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past, it’s over.”We fight each other or we stick together and move forward. Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you the storm is coming.”Today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you the good days are coming. Read More on The Sun”If there is one club in the world that proves in the past that it can overcome any situation, any disaster, it’s our club, it’s Manchester United Football Club.”Now I want to say sorry also to my players, sometimes I was not fair, but I always try to be honest with you. Thanks very much, see you next season.”Amorim apologised to fans at Old Trafford More

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      Matheus Cunha ‘agrees five-year contract with Man Utd and will take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt’

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      MATHEUS CUNHA will reportedly take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt after agreeing a five-year contract with Manchester United.The Wolves and Brazil star, 25, is one of Ruben Amorim’s top summer targets after enjoying a wonderful season at Molineux.Matheus Cunha has agreed a five-year deal to leave Wolves for Man UtdCredit: GettyHe is expected to take the No10 shirt from Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyCunha struck 17 goals and six assists in 36 outings this term.His form arguably saved Wolves from relegation after their miserable start to the campaign.But former Atletico Madrid star Cunha is now set to make the move to Old Trafford, with United finally hoping to kickstart Ruben Amorim’s tenure with several big summer signings.The Red Devils’ final-day win over Aston Villa saw them finish level on points with Wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Cunha has been keen to make the switch ever since being approached earlier this month.And according to Give Me Sport, he has now agreed a lucrative five-year deal to move to the Theatre of Dreams.United now hope to finalise the switch by finally approaching Wolves to meet Cunha’s £62.5million release clause.And it has already been decided that the Samba star will take the coveted No10 jersey, thus spelling the end of the line for academy hero Rashford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe 27-year-old was frozen out by Amorim before Christmas and eventually secured a winter loan move to Aston Villa.Rashford bagged two goals and four assists in 14 outings under Unai Emery, with Villa holding an option to buy him for £40m this summer.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyRashford appears unlikely to join Aston Villa on a permanent dealCredit: GettyHowever, the Midlands side controversially missed out on a Champions League spot due to their 2-0 defeat at United yesterday.It ironically means they could now decide against a permanent deal for Rashford due to financial constraints.While the player himself may not be keen on the move as he wants to play Champions League football next season.That could leave United struggling to find a bidder for Rashford, who pockets £325,000-a-week in wages.But he is unlikely to have a way back in at United following Cunha’s arrival, with his shirt number humiliation an almost-certain indication of Amorim’s intentions. More

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      Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe

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      GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC’s controversial decision to axe him.The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show.The presenter struggled to fight back the tears in an emotional farewellCredit: BBCCo-hosts and friends Micah Richards and Alan Shearer presented Gary Lineker with a golden boot in a heartfelt farewellCredit: BBCGary Lineker was seen wiping away tears after watching tributes pour inCredit: BBCTributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, colleagues and family in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show.Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, told the presenter: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed! “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Claudio Ranieri, former Leicester manager, was another to send his praises to the former Foxes player.read more on sportHe said: “Well done for the amazing job you have done.”2016, we will always remember.”His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot.MOTD legend Alan Hansen also praised the outgoing presenter, saying his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch carried over into the studio.Most read in Football”It was a seamless journey,” he added.During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times,” Arne Slot said.The Liverpool manager added: “I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!”The emotional Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD, praising the staff behind the scenes. I’m sorry your team is always last onGary LinekerHe said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He then shared a special message with viewers, thanking them for their support and jokingly added: “I’m sorry your team is always last on!”At the start of Match Of The Day, Gary Lineker opened by saying, “It wasn’t meant to end this way” before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on.The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch, followed by the words “The end of an Era”.Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios.The BBC online preview for tonight’s MOTD said: “The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker.”However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him, which were described as “blunt”.The 64-year-old was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early.It follows a controversial row over his use of social media.The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023.He was embroiled in an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.I would never consciously repost anything anti-SemiticGary LinekerIn November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby.It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked.A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season.The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule.Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.‘Really proud’“Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.”Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona.He added: “I’m actually probably a bit more proud of what I’ve done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box.“I had to work really hard at television.“ I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn’t come naturally.“It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it.Read More on The Sun“Eventually I got there. Probably I’m proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.”Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables.His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final showGary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last timeCredit: BBC More