Gary Lineker Reveals Mysterious Rift with Jose Mourinho: "He Doesn't Love Me Anymore"
Former England striker Gary Lineker has opened up about his puzzling fallout with Jose Mourinho, suggesting that one of his "silly jokes" may have sparked the unexpected feud between the two football personalities.
Lineker, who is preparing to step down as Match of the Day host after an impressive 25-year run, revealed that he once enjoyed a positive professional relationship with the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United manager. However, that relationship has mysteriously deteriorated in recent years.
Speaking on the BBC Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Lineker expressed his confusion about the situation: "He doesn't love me anymore. I've definitely upset him, I don't know why. He used to text me saying he loves the show and he watches the show."
The breakdown became apparent when Lineker was unexpectedly snubbed for presenting duties at a GQ award ceremony where Mourinho was being honored. "GQ got in touch with me to give him an award, and then the day before GQ messaged me saying he'd prefer to get it from someone who isn't in football," Lineker explained.
Concerned about their relationship, Lineker directly confronted Mourinho about the situation. "I asked him and said 'are we ok?' He was offish, and I thought there was something wrong. He stopped talking to me after that. Then he went to United and he was offish. Maybe I did one of my silly jokes."
Despite attempts to mend their relationship, the tension persists. "I tried to kiss and make up recently, I got his number and sent him a message, he didn't blank me, he replied with a hug, but there's definitely something," Lineker added.
The situation is particularly surprising given Lineker's reputation in the football world. Known for going his entire playing career without receiving a yellow card, the 62-year-old is widely regarded as one of the nicest men in football.
Meanwhile, Mourinho, the self-proclaimed "Special One," is currently working in Turkey with Super Lig giants Fenerbahce, apparently still harboring some unexplained grievance against the outspoken Lineker.
