Gary Lineker received text message from Alan Hansen's wife and sends message to Liverpool icon

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is on the path to recovery, having earlier been "seriously ill" in hospital. He has now returned home, and Gary Lineker has sent him a message, after receiving a text from the former defender's wife.

The Hansen family released a statement via the Liverpool website, thanking everyone for their support and confirming the Scot had left hospital. And speaking on The Rest Is Football, former Match of the Day colleague Lineker spoke about the recent ordeal.

Distressingly, Lineker had at one point been told that an announcement of Hansen's death was imminent, and that he had been asked (by a party he would not name) to come on and talk about it. Speaking with Alan Shearer, he explained that he "broke down" at this point.

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Thankfully, that proved premature. Lineker has been in touch with the family, and recounted how he received the positive news of Hansen's discharge from hospital:

"I got a text message yesterday from Janet Hansen, Alan's wife, saying that he'd been discharged from hospital, that he'd gone home," said Lineker. "I also saw that Liverpool had put out a tweet saying exactly the same thing. What an amazing piece of news."

Shearer echoed that sentiment. He claimed it was typical Hansen to make it back home in time for the Scotland match:

"That was great wasn't it. You told us at breakfast that you had a text message, so that was a great start to the day.

"As usual Mr. Hansen's timing was impeccable so he could get home and watch his team, but unfortunately they didn't produce the goods for him. But great news that he's on the mend and he's back home."

Lineker also had a message for Hansen: "It's fantastic news. So hope you're listening Al. Yeah, well done. Well done mate. It's great to have you back with us."

Liverpool.com says: It's absolutely brilliant to hear that Hansen is on the mend. All our thoughts remain with him and his family.

It's also been a testing time for those close to the Liverpool great, and it's dreadful that Lineker was made to fear the worst. We echo his message for Hansen, who is beloved by multiple generations for his class as a player and later as a pundit.