**Gary Lineker Discusses Health Outlook and New Television Projects**
Former England striker and long‑time broadcaster Gary Lineker, now 65, told *The Observer Magazine* that he is “not worried about death” but is more concerned about the possibility of mental decline in later life.
Lineker, who has been a regular presence on British television for more than three decades, said he has begun to notice the physical effects of ageing. “My knees are a bit creakier, my hips are a bit creakier,” he said. “If I could get to maybe 80, living in a relatively healthy, fit state – not lose my marbles – and then just go overnight, I’d take that.”
He added that the prospect of suffering, particularly the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s that many former footballers face, is what worries him. “I’m not worried about death. It’s the suffering along the way,” Lineker said. “If it gets that bad, just get me to Switzerland. I have no interest in growing old like that.”
The comments come as Lineker’s role on the BBC’s *Match of the Day* ended last year, with presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan now sharing hosting duties. Despite stepping back from the flagship football programme, Lineker remains active in broadcasting. He co‑owns Goalhanger, a podcast production company that produces “The Rest Is” series, including *The Rest Is Football*, which he presents alongside former players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. He has also fronted a Netflix adaptation of the podcast that covers the World Cup and has expanded into Premier League coverage.
Lineker maintains a regular fitness routine that includes Pilates and three weekly sessions with a personal trainer. In addition to his podcast work, he is the host of ITV’s new series *The Box*. The programme places ten celebrities in yellow boxes that are transported to various locations across the country, where they must complete a series of challenges after the doors open.
For the debut series, Lineker will work with participants Danny Aarons, Ellie Taylor, Graeme Souness, JB Gill, Jenny Ryan, Joey Essex, John Bercow, Ranvir Singh, Sara Davies and Shakira Khan. He described the format as “different – something I’ve never done before, which appealed to me, alongside the unique nature of the concept. It’s fun, it’s family‑friendly, and it’s great prime‑time telly.”
Lineker admitted that keeping a straight face during filming was difficult at times. He recalled a moment when Aarons “sprinted off at a well‑known racecourse, not entirely sure what he was doing or why,” and noted that Bercow’s segment at Butlins was also “tremendous.”
Lineker’s remarks about his health and his ongoing television commitments underscore his continued presence in the media landscape, even as he acknowledges the realities of ageing.
Article and image source: leicestermercury.co.uk
