'Wonderful father' Gary Lineker posts emotional tribute message after the loss of his dad

Gary Lineker has paid tribute to his dad, Barry on Twitter after announcing the sad news that he'd passed away.

Sharing the news with his 6.46 million followers on the social media platform, Gary wrote: 'Deeply saddened to tell you of the passing of my dad. A special person, a popular man & a wonderful father. Will miss him greatly. RIP Dad.'

Condolences from fans quickly flooded in, with one writing: 'Sorry to hear that mate, he was well respected in leicester fruit and veg market!'

Another commented: 'I hope your memories of him bring you comfort Gary. You must have filled him with so much pride and joy over the years X'

Gary's ex wife, Danielle Bux, who recently welcomed a daughter with new partner Nate Greenwald, added: 'The proudest Dad in Britain, and such a character. He'll be missed. RIP xxx', while Gary's son, George, posted a simple: 'Take care Grandad ❤️'

Barry Lineker ran the family fruit and veg stall in Leicester, and football star Gary continued to help on the stall while playing for Leicester City in the early 1980s.

One fan wrote: 'Mum always got our fruit and veg from Barry. A lovely man and a legend of Leicester Market. So sorry for your loss Gary.'

Gary went on to thank everyone for their kind messages, and Leicester Royal Infirmary for their hard work and support.

He wrote: 'Thank you so much for all the lovely messages. Also a big thank you to the doctors & nurses at Leicester Royal infirmary. You're marvellous.'

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in his column in the Express in 2013, Gary said of his relationship with his father: 'I had a very happy upbringing. Dad worked long hours but that provided me and my brother Wayne with a comfortable childhood.'

The 56-year old went on to say how he thought his dad was quite proud of what he'd done with this life, explaining: 'I know he enjoyed my football career. When I was a kid he was at pretty much every game I played.'

'Something else I got from him is the importance of teaching your kids to respect others and that's something I've passed on to my own children.'