Ex-England footballer, Gary Lineker, and wife announce shock divorce

Former England international, Gary Lineker, and wife Danielle have ended their six-year marriage.

The couple were granted a ‘decree nisi’ on Tuesday morning finalising the end of their union – amid reports that they parted ways because they had different ideas about starting a family together.

A spokesperson for the pair confirmed the end of their marriage adding that “they remain the greatest of friends and wish each other every happiness”.

Lineker, 55, and model Danielle, 36, are believed to have been living separate lives for almost a year, despite the fact that they were pictured together just last week watching a play in London. They are also thought to have spent Christmas together.

The pair reportedly opted for a value divorce, using a government website that costs around £400 rather than spend money on high legal fees.

A source close to the couple told The Sun: “Usually these things are very sad and acrimonious but with Gary and Danielle it is very much friendly with no legal battle that can cost a lot of money.

“They didn’t use solicitors and filed for divorce together using a government website where they filled out the forms together. It cost about £400, rather than tens of thousands in legal bills.

“They made a great couple but their different views on having children is what made them realise they had to split. They both know it is the right thing to do and are looking forward to the future. They are convinced they will stay friends.”

Gary has four grown-up sons – George, Tobias, Harry and Angus – from his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne and is thought to be against starting a young family. Danielle, meanwhile, has a 13-yar-old daughter from a previous relationship.

The former Tottenham, Leicester City, Everton and Barcelona striker holds the record for most goals by an Englishman in FIFA World Cup finals.

He currently works as a soccer pundit for BT Sports after stints handling top positions at BBC, Al Jazeera and NBC Sports.