All England fans love Gary Lineker and the BBC presenter's emotional reaction to a montage of Italia 90 will have them loving him even more as he remembered former boss Bobby Robson.
Whether it's his sons gallivanting around Russia wearing his old match-worn England tops to his defending of England players from the moronic tweets of Piers Morgan - an album title that needs to happen, if anyone reading this is a musician - Lineker has endeared himself to the nation as a knowledgeable ringmaster of the plethora of occasionally insightful, often irritating BBC pundits.
One of the reasons that Lineker is so good at his job is that he has an almost limitless reserve of public affection.
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This is a guy who was, for years and years, England's best player, second record goalscorer and leading light at tournaments, so his chops on the field are basically unquestionable.
He's a nice guy too - never booked or sent off once, as literally everyone knows - and prone to japes and emotional moments too.
One such incident came this evening, as the BBC showed footage of the 1990 World Cup - the last time that England reached the semis - and in particular, showed images of the manager from that campaign, Bobby Robson.
"Don't know, I think I have something in my eye," said the former England striker when the camera cut back to him, fighting back tears. "Bobby, bless him."
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Lineker had a long relationship with Bobby Robson, who died in 2009.
Robson gave Lineker his England debut back in 1984 and coached him for the national team all the way through until that semi-final run in 1990, as well as leaving an indelible mark on all who came into contact with him.
Lineker was one of the first to pay tribute on the death of Robson, telling media that it was "a sad day and a great loss."
"He was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by everybody in the country. I never played for a more enthusiastic man. He gave so much to the game."
He wasn't the only one welling up.
"That video of Sir Bobby Robson and that semi final in Italian 90, so emotional- could see Gary Lineker struggle to keep tears back there. Absolutely class team full of guts and class" wrote one Twitter user.
"Love that reaction from @GaryLineker after the Sir Bobby Robson clip from 1990. Brought an emotional reaction from me as well," wrote another.
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Here's to you Gary and a touching moment we can all have empathy with.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Gary Lineker, Football News, Russia 2018, World Cup news, England, World Cup
