Legendary football pundit Gary Lineker, 65, has openly declared he is finished with romantic relationships, revealing he “can’t imagine living with someone again” after two divorces. Gary, who split from his second wife, Danielle Bux, in 2016 after seven years of marriage, now embraces a life of bachelorhood with no plans to return to coupledom.
The former England striker, who first married model and actress Michelle Cockayne in 1986 and shares four sons with her — George, 34; Harry, 32; Tobias, 30; and Angus, 28 — told listeners on Louis Theroux’s podcast that he enjoys being on his own. “I like being on my own. I’ve got so accustomed to it now, being slightly selfish but unanswerable to anyone,” he admitted.
When asked if he lives alone in a “big house,” Gary laughed, noting it’s “me and a dog. But my boys are always around… I’m absolutely happy on my own.” On the topic of romance, he was candid: “No, I think I’m done. I don’t know — you never know — but I just can’t imagine actually living with someone again.”
Gary also joked about the practicalities of intimacy as age advances, quipping about “a big blue pill” and the effort involved.
Life Through Heartbreak and Family Struggles
Gary’s first marriage to Michelle ended in 2006, after 20 years together. The couple endured highs and lows, including a particularly harrowing moment when their firstborn, George, was diagnosed with leukaemia at just eight weeks old, with doctors estimating only a 10–20% chance of survival.
George underwent seven months of chemotherapy, and Gary spent much of that period juggling football training and hospital visits. “It was so tough. Michelle spent seven months in the hospital. I was there all day. I didn’t play for a few weeks, but football was helpful — it was the only time I didn’t think about it,” Gary recalled. Today, George is 34, healthy, fit, and thriving.
Second Marriage and Life After Divorce
Gary married Danielle Bux in 2009 in Italy, but after seven years, the couple parted ways, reportedly because Gary did not want more children. Despite the split, the exes remain on friendly terms, frequently seen enjoying dinner dates or holidays together. Danielle moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and later found love with Nate Greenwald, an Ivy League-educated lawyer. She is a mother to two daughters: Ella, 24, from a previous relationship, and Romy Wren, born in August 2017.
Reflecting on life after two marriages, Gary said he has become comfortable with independence. “It might change, but you know, I love women’s company. I’ve got a lot of friends that I go out to dinner with. But I’m happy doing my own thing,” he told the podcast.
A Life Focused on Freedom
Gary Lineker’s frank discussion about romance, bachelorhood, and personal freedom underscores a man who has lived through love, loss, and life’s unpredictable twists. From the highs of a celebrated football career to the challenges of family illness and divorce, he has embraced independence as a defining feature of his current life.
Whether Gary will ever return to a serious relationship remains uncertain, but for now, he enjoys the liberty of making choices solely for himself, surrounded by family, friends, and loyal canine companionship.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
