Wayne Lineker spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview at the National Diversity Awards
Wayne Lineker spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Wayne Lineker was thrilled to be back in Liverpool last week. The nightclub owner returned to the city to present an award at the National Diversity Awards on Friday (September 18).
The event puts the spotlight on the important work carried out by by charities, role models and community heroes for their work in enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. The ceremony was hosted by Konnie Huq and Wayne was one of a number of notable faces to turn out in support of an uplifting event.
He spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive and explained why he was honoured to be part of the event. He said: “I’ve worked with people with disabilities for many years, getting them on the stage at Ocean [his club in Ibiza], giving them the best day of their lives.”
It was also special for Wayne to be back in Liverpool as said it’s his “favourite city”. Wayne fell in love with Liverpool when his brother, Gary Lineker, signed for Everton in the 1980s and he has continued his special bond since.
He said: “There’s nobody like Scousers in the world. And yeah, they’re all cheeky chappies.” Wayne has enjoyed many special memories and said a favourite time was when he managed to steal the limelight from one of our city’s most famous sons. He laughed: “I was out in a place called Gloria’s and it was packed with people.
“I walked in at a similar time to Jamie Carragher. I got swamped by people, and he was sat on his own. I’m like, ‘It’s okay, Jamie.’ I think it’s because Jamie’s out every night and he’s here again, whereas obviously I don’t come to Liverpool as much. But it was funny.”
Wayne’s O Beach in Ibiza regularly attracts a crowd of Scousers on the famous SIN Sunday and he will always treasure the support people from Merseyside have shown him.
He said: “There’s 2,000 of them in the venue, and they’re all like, “Wayne, give us a wristband! Give us a wristband! I know your mum’s cousin’s dog, give us a wristband!” They’re just hilarious.
“Scousers have supported us for so, so long since day one so we owe a lot to them, and they always create the best vibe. They don’t care, they’re having the time of their lives.”
This support particularly meant a lot to Wayne during his health setbacks over this past year. Wayne contracted chronic pneumonia at the tail end of last year, which left him in hospital. And he has also been open with his drug and alcohol addiction.
Speaking of the support, Wayne issued a positive health update as he added: “I can’t even put into words how much support I’ve had and love from the people since my illness and going sober. It just touches my heart that when I’m taking pictures with people, they’re always asking.
“All across the UK, they’re all asking and caring about me, “Am I okay?” And yeah, so yes, I’m okay and I’m happy being sober. I loved my time drinking, but I think time’s to shut up shop”
