Gary Lineker explains reason for leaving Twitter

Gary Lineker has spoken about his decision to leave Twitter.

The Match of the Day host deleted his account on Friday citing “personal reasons” as his explanation.

He has since elaborated on his decision to The Sun, saying: “I left Twitter because it tends to take over and I thought I would try life without it. There is absolutely nothing sinister about the decision at all.”

A source also told the newspaper: “[Lineker] loves keeping in contact with his fans, but he realised recently how much it was eating into the time he spends with his wife Danielle and the kids.

“It’s hard for him to make the most of that time together and to keep up with things on Twitter, so he has decided to remove the distraction. Gary is a real family man, and he is very clear about what his priorities are.

Lineker’s Twitter exploits have included a clash with Joey Barton and being advised by Lethal Bizzle on his use of the word ‘sick’.

He has also been subjected to abuse in relation to his son George’s battle with cancer.