Gary Lineker has never been afraid to poke fun at himself and he has done so again by mocking one area of his private life.
The former footballer has remained in the spotlight since retirement – most notably as presenter for Match of the Day for 25 years before his exit in May.
During that stint he has had two marriages, divorcing his second wife Danielle Bux in 2016.
And speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker joked with Alan Shearer that he has not been intimate with anyone since splitting up with Bux.
The remark came as Lineker described his journey to and from Craven Cottage via a Lime Bike where he watched Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Noting that it had been a long time since he had been on a bicycle, he said: ‘It was the first time I’ve ever been on lime bike. In fact, I think it’s decades and decades since I sat on any kind of a bike.’
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To which Shearer replied, hinting at the intervening 15 years since he split with Bux, ‘It’s probably the first time you’ve had a ride in 15 years!’
With both laughing at Shearer’s connotation, Lineker conceded: ‘Sadly, that’s probably true, Al. But anyway…’
It’s not the first time this year, that Lineker has spoken about his love-life. In April he revealed he had no intention of getting back into the dating world.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards teased Lineker about ‘getting you a partner’ but the idea was quickly shut down.
‘I’m so happy on my own,’ Lineker insisted. ‘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 tied the knot with model and actress Michelle Cockayne in 1986 and they have four sons together.
Cockayne filed for divorce in 2006, citing Lineker’s alleged ‘unreasonable behaviour’. Cockayne and Lineker later stated their split was amicable.
Lineker then wedded Welsh actress and model Bux at a ceremony in Italy in 2009.
Lineker and Bux announced they were going their separate ways in January 2016 due to the former not wanting any more children. They remain on friendly terms though.
