Gary Lineker makes dating statement after being teased over two divorces

Gary Lineker has insisted that he has no plans to start dating again at the end of the season when he leaves his role on Match of the Day (MOTD). The presenter announced last year that this campaign would be his last on the BBC’s flagship show.

After spending the last 25 years hosting the programme, Lineker will soon find himself with Saturdays free to spend how he wishes, which may involve a few additional trips to the King Power Stadium to watch his beloved Leicester City.

However, Micah Richards has teased the idea that his fellow pundit could put his free time to use by returning to the dating scene. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the ex-Manchester City star joked that ‘getting you a partner’ was on the agenda post-MOTD.

However, Lineker wasted no time in shutting down that suggestion. He replied: “I'm so happy on my own. I've got lots of friends I go out with and have dinner and have fun. I'm alright, Micah, honestly. I've been married most of my adult life and I'm quite set in my ways and comfortable on my own now.”

Lineker has been married twice, tying the knot with his first wife Michelle Cockayne in 1986. The couple had four sons together before Cockayne filed for divorce in 2006.

Three years later, the former England international married Welsh actress Danielle Bux in Italy. The couple spent seven years together before announcing their split in January 2016, reportedly because Lineker did not want to have any more children. Lineker and Bux have remained on friendly terms since their split though and were spotted enjoying wine together, along with Lineker’s son Harry, last week.

Even after taking the decision to step down from his role, Lineker has insisted that he will continue to watch MOTD and wishes the new presenters well. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will all share the duties of hosting the show.

Asked by FourFourTwo about the trio, Lineker said: “I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do - they'll be fine and they'll do a great job. I've known them all for years, they're top presenters. I'll be watching, but probably on iPlayer I don't think I'll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I'm in."