Gary Lineker explains why he refused to wear the No 9 shirt during his career

Former England striker Gary Lineker has explained why he chose to never wear the number nine shirt.

The popular BBC pundit enjoyed a decorated 16-year spell at the top level, scoring 48 times for England.

He won the European Cup Winners' Cup with Barcelona in the late 90s, whilst also claiming the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991.

Now seen across our television screens week in, week out, Lineker has revealed the real reason why he never chose to sport the number most often worn by strikers in the modern game.

The now 63-year-old enjoyed spells at Everton, Barcelona and even in Japan with Nagoya Grampus towards the end of his career, but his detest for one specific number always remained.

''I made my debut with Leicester as seven because I played on the right wing for the first thirty-odd games, which ruined my goal ratio, but never mind!'' he began, speaking via The Rest Is Football Podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

''Then I got into my true position up front and for some reason I had the number eight on my back and I kind of had that for a little while.

''Then I played a few games with nine and I didn't score, so from that point onwards, I didn't ever wear nine again, as I didn't want to wear it.

Gary Lineker outside his home in London following his row with the BBC. Image: PA

''I went back to eight and played all my career at Leicester as eight. I went to Everton and played as eight. Then I made my England debut and I got in with the number ten shirt.

''That was the first time I had ever worn number ten. Then I got moved to Barcelona and I had eight again for the first season.''

Something must have cleared worked in Lineker's rationale all the more, as he finished his career with a whopping 223 goals from 431 games at club level.

Still regarded as one of the best out and out goalscorers of all time, who knows what would have happened should the superstitions of the number nine have taken over.