He began his career at his hometown club of [Leicester City]? in 1976 and Lineker came to fame with Everton? (1985-86), for whom he scored 30 goals in 41 games, before signing with Barcelona, with whom he won the [European Cup-Winners Cup]? in 1989. The same year he returned to England, playing for three seasons at [Tottenham Hotspur]?, scoring 67 in 105 games and winning the [F.A. Cup]?, before ending his career with an injury plagued spell in the Japanese leagues with [Nagoya Grampus 8]?.
He first played for England in 1984, winning the "Golden Boot" at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and reaching the tournaments semi-final in 1990. He retired from international football with 80 caps and 48 goals, one fewer than Bobby Charlton's England record.
He was [English footballer of the year]? in 1986] and despite his long career was never cautioned by a referee for foul play.
Following retirement he commenced a career in the media, replacing [Des Lynam]? on the BBC's flagship "[Match of the Day]?" and as a panelist on "[They Think It's All Over]?" in 1999.
His popularity has enabled him to appear in a light hearted series of adverts, playing a comical role which sends up his reputation as a nice guy.
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