‘She will live on in my heart and mind’: Sadness for Gary Lineker as he announces the death of his mother

• Gary Lineker's 'wonderful and beautiful' mum Margaret, 76, has died
• The former England star confirmed the news of her passing on Twitter
• Lineker missed Saturday's Match of the Day broadcast as his mum was ill
• Gary's brother Wayne held his mum's hand during her final moments 
• Wayne, who has barely spoken to Gary for years, has said he hoped to reconcile with him for the sake of their mother

By Anthony Hay for MailOnline

Published: 11:55 EST, 29 September 2015 | Updated: 15:25 EST, 29 September 2015

Gary Lineker has been left 'profoundly saddened' following the death of his mother - Margaret - just days after he was forced to sit out Saturday's Match of the Day.

The former England international and current TV presenter took to Twitter to confirm the news of his mother's passing.

He wrote: 'I am profoundly saddened to tell you that my wonderful, beautiful mother has left us. 

'She will though live on in my heart and mind. #RIPMum.' 

Gary Lineker posted this picture of his mother, Margaret, shortly after her death on Tuesday afternoon

Lineker's mother has passed away - the BBC and BT Sport presenter confirmed the news on Twitter

Lineker took to Twitter to say he was left 'profoundly saddened' following the death of his mother 

Wayne Lineker - Gary's brother - posted this picture of himself alongside his mum after her death

Gary's brother Wayne took to Twitter to write this message about his mother's death

He added: 'She wouldn't want sympathy. She wouldn't want tears. She would want a gin and tonic. Cheers Mum #RIP.' 

Lineker, 54, was unable to present Saturday night's Match of the Day show as his 76-year-old mother was 'very poorly', with his colleague Dan Walker stepping in as a replacement.

However his mother, who lived on the Isle of Wight, has sadly passed away just a few days after Lineker was due to present the BBC's weekly Premier League highlights show as she failed to recover from her illness.

His brother Wayne took to Twitter to write an emotional message about the death of his mother, revealing he held her hand 'when she stopped breathing'. 

He said: 'Today at 1pm my precious Mum passed away. I was holding her hand when she stopped breathing. She had a very tough and painful two years since she lost her husband my stepdad Peter. 

'Not just the pain of losing her loved one but the intense medical problems she had. She suffered with Renal and Kidney problems having dialysis three times week amongst a mountain of other problems. 

'It was a special moment when she left as was so very peaceful. She has had her family and closest friends by her side. Finally she will be happy. I will miss her dearly. Love forever.' 

Former Tottenham striker Gary and his club promoter brother Wayne had reportedly put their problems to one side in order to support their mother while she was ill. 

Wayne has previously said his relationship with his younger brother had broken down mainly due to Gary's wife Danielle Bux. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had been estranged from the pundit for six years.

The siblings, who were extremely close growing up together in Leicester, have barely spoken since 2008. 

Speaking at the time he said he didn't 'spark' with Danielle when Gary first brought her to Ibiza, where he owns a club, shortly after they began dating in 2008. But he said he was eager to reconcile for the sake of their mum. 

'Mum would love us to be close again... I don't dislike my brother at all. I love him... I feel that he's changed since marrying Danielle.' 

Lineker played for the likes of Tottenham, Leicester and Everton before becoming a TV presenter 

Wayne (left) and Gary (right) both took to social media to express their sadness at losing their mother

Wayne (back) and Gary (front) were said to be close during their younger years but gradually grew apart 

The news of his mother's death came on the day the documentary about Wayne Rooney's life away from football, which is presented by Lineker, hit the headlines across the English media.

Rio Ferdinand and Piers Morgan were among the first to send their condolences to Lineker after hearing of his mother's death. 

Ferdinand, who works alongside Lineker on BT Sport's live coverage of the Champions League, said: 'Thoughts are with Gary Lineker & his family.' 

Morgan said: 'So very sorry to hear that mate. Deepest condolences to you and all the family.' 

Lineker said on Saturday: 'I won't be doing MOTD tonight. Sadly my mum is very poorly.' 

Gary flew his sick mum back from Spain three years ago in order for her to undergo treatment.

His elderly mother was targeted by thieves in December 2013. She was followed home from the hospital where she was receiving dialysis before stealing her handbag and taking her car.

The thieves watched as poorly Margaret Lineker, then 74, used a cashpoint machine at the hospital, then tailed her back to the house.

Her Vauxhall Corsa was stolen and more than £1,000 was later spent on her bank card at a clothes store in Gary's hometown of Leicester. 

Wayne poses with his mum and her grandchildren in December 2014 as they celebrated Christmas

Wayne also posted this picture of himself and his mother in St Lucia on his 16th birthday

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand wrote his condolences to his BT colleague

Lineker was sent a condolence message from Match of the Day's official Twitter account

Lineker, pictured in London in September 2015, married Welsh model Danielle Bux in September 2007

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