Gary Lineker's estranged brother issues heartfelt plea to MotD presenter after bitter feud

Gary Lineker's estranged brother issued a heartfelt plea to the MotD presenter. (Image: Instagram Wayne Lineker)

Gary Lineker’s estranged brother Wayne has issued a heartfelt plea for them to become “proper brothers again” after a bitter feud spanning 16 years.

The Ibiza club owner, 62, reminisced on his and Gary’s childhood and how close they used to be. He remembered their summer holidays in their hometown, Leicester, and the “incredible memories” they had together.

Alongside a string of unearthed photographs, Wayne penned: “The universe works in mysterious ways. 55 years ago I used to go to Kenwood Road outdoor pool with my mum Dad and brother Gary every week during the summer holidays ... built on this land by developers were houses - our parents purchased one and Gary and I grew up there until we were adults.

“The number of the house on Kenwood Road was 10, the very same number my bro wore on his England shirt throughout his 80 international games.

“Gary and I share the most incredible memories in that house, two brothers rarely leaving each others side.. one of my favourite memories of us is both clearing the lounge every Saturday of furniture when mum and dad were out making a goal each end just to play one on one football for hours...

Wayne reminisced on his and Gary's close childhood. (Image: Instagram)

“I know for a fact that they will be looking down on us with one wish. That would be to become proper brothers again. #lifestooshort.”

Gary and Wayne, who are less than two years apart, were incredibly close during their childhood in Leicester, but their differences became more pronounced as they grew older and went on different paths.

Match of the Day star Gary, 63, carved out a successful career as an England footballer, while Wayne built a nightlife empire from humble beginnings.

Wayne once acknowledged their contrasting personalities, stating: "Gary is a very intelligent guy in a general knowledge kind of way, whereas I'm not. I'm savvy and streetwise."

Wayne attributes his feud with Gary to his ex-wife Danielle Bux. (Image: Getty)

The brothers reportedly found themselves embroiled in a bitter feud that caused tension within their family, with Wayne attributing the strain to Gary’s ex-wife, Danielle Bux.

"In my opinion, Danielle cost me my relationship with my brother. Sadly Gary is no longer a part of my life," Wayne told The Sun in April 2015.

Wayne was left puzzled after his regular catch-ups and visits with his brother Gary abruptly ceased. The Ibiza club owner was at a loss as to why their communication dwindled within a year, attributing the change to an uncomfortable initial encounter with Danielle.

Wayne recounted: "They came to Ibiza in August 2008 and it was really awkward. I didn't spark with Danielle and our relationship was cold."

Wayne said that holiday marked the final conversation he would have with Danielle. Despite being the best man at Gary's first marriage to Michelle Cockayne in 1986, Wayne did not attend his brother's second wedding.

Wayne Lineker has reached out to Gary several times over the years. (Image: Getty)

The nightclub proprietor boycotted the event upon learning that his girlfriend at the time, model Ana Tanaka, wasn't welcome just months prior to the ceremony. "He was my brother and he was telling me that I couldn't bring my girlfriend of a year and a half to his wedding. She was a lovely, polite girl, and not a five-minute girlfriend," Wayne added.

Wayne disclosed that his efforts to mend their relationship were unsuccessful, and a stilted phone call on Gary's 50th birthday was short-lived.

In 2017, following Gary’s split from Danielle, Wayne disclosed the progress he and his brother had made in mending their once-strained relationship. He told the Mirror: "We talk now. We are not how we were years and years ago, but we speak more now.

"We are slowly getting there. It's important. He's my brother. We were so close. We used to play golf twice a week, go to each other's houses and speak every day on the phone."

Wayne also spoke fondly of his relationship with Gary's sons: George, Harry, Angus, and Tobias. He said all four have remained close to him and visit him in Ibiza.

By November 2020, Wayne shared a touching tribute for his sibling's 60th birthday, declaring: "I will always be proud of you. Love you lots."