Gary Lineker sends former MOTD colleague Micah Richards clear advice after quit decision

Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker joined Micah Richards at Baller League for the season two opener just a few months after they last appeared on MOTD together

Gary Lineker stepped away from Baller League management ahead of the second season of the competition, but was back at the Copper Box as the new campaign got underway. The former Match of the Day host was there to watch his old side Deportrio, who now have Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge in the dugout.

Lineker was one of three Deportrio managers in season one, along with Richards and Alan Shearer. His former co-managers have been split up this time around, with Richards still at Deportrio and Shearer joining Ian Wright in charge of Wembley Rangers, and the latter claimed a 3-2 win when the former colleagues faced off on matchday one.

“Well I didn’t want to upset anyone, I just can’t cope with Micah’s enthusiasm, though. It’s too much for me,” Lineker said when asked why he’d chosen Shearer’s dugout. “He’s too demonstrative on the touchline so I thought I’d take…But Wrighty also gets a bit excited as well.

“I’ve stuck with the old boys, they’ve got plenty of time on their side, I can go and watch them another year – these two not so sure. I might have picked the winning team and that’s what you’ve got to do isn’t it?”

When asked if he had advice for Richards and Sturridge if they lost, Lineker added: “Yeah own it, live with it, deal with it and move onto the next game. It’s humiliation really isn’t it?”

READ MORE: Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in agreement on Man Utd duo ready to ‘hurt’READ MORE: Alan Shearer made his BBC future clear with 15-word statement after Gary Lineker’s exit

Deportrio trailed 3-1 at the time and pulled one goal back, but weren’t able to salvage a draw. This was despite the presence of former Premier League players, with ex-Everton striker Oumar Niasse on the scoresheet.

Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland was also involved for Richards’ and Sturridge’s side, while other former pros involved in the league include John Bostock. The 33-year-old, who spent time at Tottenham and also played top-flight football in France and Belgium, scored a free-kick for Yanited as they lost to John Terry’s 26ers.

Ahead of the second season, Baller League CEO Felix Starck spoke to talkSPORT about Lineker’s withdrawal. “We sat down and had a conversation with Gary – Does it make sense to continue or not?” Starck said.

“I think you have to fall in love with this project to continue because it consumes your time. It’s very time-consuming. It’s full of people who spend hours and hours [investing their time in it].

“John Terry calls me every single week and complains that he’s spending so much time, but then he says it’s the best thing ever, it’s the best thing ever. I think with Gary, he has a lot on in his life; he has a very busy schedule, and if you don’t fall in love with it, you can’t be with this game. It’s really up to you.”

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