Former Leicester City star Gary Lineker was an emotional man on Monday night, as he watched the Foxes become crowned Premier League champions.
Claudio Ranieri’s men picked up a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, which in turn ensured that their title celebrations were put on hold.
Tottenham had to beat Chelsea on Monday night to keep the race alive, but having been held to a 2-2 draw by their London rivals, it resulted in Leicester securing their first ever top flight crown.
Speaking to BBC Sport in a video posted on Twitter, former Leicester star Lineker, who scored 95 league goals in 194 appearances for the club between 1978 and 1985, was visibly taken back by the situation and was thoroughly enjoying the club’s success.
We’ll forgive @GaryLineker for being a little emotional tonight…#MOTD https://t.co/YkEXc4Bi1d
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 2, 2016
However, it was in stark contrast to comments he made last July when he questioned the appointment of Ranieri on Twitter, labelling it an “uninspired” move by Leicester in an interview with BreatheSport.
Claudio Ranieri? Really? — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 13, 2015
“Claudio Ranieri is clearly experienced, but this is an uninspired choice by Leicester,” he added.
“It’s amazing how the same old names keep getting a go on the managerial merry-go-round.”
It’s always a bit unfair to bring up old quotes as pundits and former players alike can only give their opinion at the time and share what they think of such decisions.
In hindsight, Lineker will obviously have a different opinion now that Ranieri has produced arguably the greatest sporting upset of all time, but that won’t save him from being ridiculed on social media in the coming days as the Italian enjoys his spot at the top of English football.