- Wayne Lineker hospitalized with “extremely dangerous” pneumonia
- Lineker revealed he initially thought he had caught COVID before being diagnosed with chronic pneumonia
- Treatment requires months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Gary Lineker to move to Netflix for a podcast on the World Cup next year
The Health Crisis: Wayne Lineker’s Struggle Against Pneumonia
Wayne Lineker, the well-known clubbing legend and owner of O Beach in Ibiza, has been battling a serious bout of pneumonia that left him hospitalised for several weeks. The 63-year-old admitted to his fans on Instagram, stating he was unable to walk due to the condition and would need months of rehabilitation.
Initially, Lineker thought he had caught COVID-19 after falling ill during a flight from Mauritius to Dubai. However, doctors later diagnosed him with chronic pneumonia, a more severe form of the lung infection that can be life-threatening in older adults. The former England striker is currently receiving treatment but faces a long road ahead.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
According to Lineker’s Instagram post, he was rushed to the hospital on an ambulance and spent 10 days in intensive care before being moved to a respiratory ward. He explained that catching pneumonia at his age is extremely dangerous and that he must undergo rehabilitation for around two months.
“I am still in hospital but out of the danger zone and intensive care,” Lineker wrote. “But catching pneumonia at my age is extremely dangerous. I am still in hospital but out of the danger zone and intensive care.
I still cannot walk at all and have around two months rehabilitation and physio ahead of me.”
The condition, which affects the lungs’ air sacs by making them inflamed and filled with fluid, can severely impede breathing. Lineker’s situation is a stark reminder of how serious pneumonia can be for individuals, especially those in their 60s.
Gary Lineker’s Move to Netflix
While Wayne Lineker recuperates, his brother Gary Lineker has announced plans to move to Netflix for an extraordinarily lucrative deal. The former football player and TV presenter will host a podcast called “The Rest Is Football,” which will air on the streaming platform during next year’s World Cup in North America.
Gary’s departure from the BBC comes after he faced controversy for sharing a social media post that was perceived as antisemitic, using an image of a rat to criticize Zionism. The incident resulted in his removal from hosting Match of the Day and other projects at the corporation. However, it also paved the way for him to secure this new deal with Netflix.
Implications and Future Prospects
The move to Netflix is expected to be a significant boost for Gary Lineker’s career, given that his podcast had already gained substantial popularity on YouTube. His presence at the World Cup next year will also provide him with an opportunity to gain exposure in a new market.
Speaking about the deal, a source told the Daily Mail: “The Rest is Football is currently available to watch on YouTube, but it has not been affiliated to any other network or broadcaster. This is all new for Netflix, and it is being described as an exciting new thing amongst the bosses there.
It will mean that its profile will catapult again, as well as meaning that Gary will go to the World Cup after all, just in a very different capacity.”
Gary Lineker’s decision to leave the BBC was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. While some praised his move for bettering himself professionally, others expressed disappointment at losing him from public service broadcasting.
Conclusion
The health crisis faced by Wayne Lineker and the professional opportunities emerging for Gary Lineker highlight the unpredictable nature of both personal and career developments in the entertainment industry. While Lineker’s recovery is a priority, his brother’s new venture signals the exciting changes that lie ahead.
Follow the latest updates on their recoveries and success stories as they unfold over the coming months.
