Gary Lineker has revealed he has welcomed a second refugee into his Surrey home, who is now training to become a rocket scientist.
The 61-year-old former England football player is passionate about the rights of refugees and previously took in a man from Balochistan, Pakistan in 2020 – staying with him in his Surrey home.
Gary took in the second refugee last year, who was fleeing Erdogan’s oppressive regime in Turkey.
After giving the 26-year-old a new start, he has since gone to study at university – with hopes of becoming a rocket scientist someday.
Gary told the Mirror: “He’s a really smart kid and wants to be a rocket scientist, actually. He was with us about a month and was such a sweet kid and has now gone to university.
”The 26-year-old had been caught up in a military coup and imprisoned for 18 months in Turkey before fleeing.”
Gary said: “He got out. And then he spent 18 months in our Home Office system where he was treated like s***. He said it was hell.”
Despite Gary's welcoming nature, his house guests didn't manage to get into football as he admitted to the Mirror: “No, neither them were football fans.”
The sports broadcaster laughed and added: “Not a clue. But they had to spend a lot of time watching football. Poor buggers. That was their punishment.”
Gary's passion for refugees' rights is touched on in his new children’s book 50 Times Football Changed the World, which also discusses LGBTQ+ issues, too.
Match of the Day star Gary first opened his home up to a refugee in 2020.
Gary's guest, Rasheed, lived with the football star for 20 days and l ater sent him a moving thank you letter after leaving.
He also posted the hand-written note Rasheed had left him after leaving his home in Barnes.
It read: “When I was moving to your home, I was worried that you might be unfriendly and conservative but it was all reverse what I thought.
“During my stay in your beautiful home, I never felt that I am a stranger or guest but it seemed to me as if I am a member of your family.
“I can never forget your hospitality, love and company that you and your lovely respectful children gave to me.“
“There is a saying in Balochi language, that if you give me a glass of water, I owe you my entire life. In fact you did more.
“Best wishes, Rasheed.”
50 Times Football Changes the World by Gary Lineker & Ivor Baddiel (published by Puffin) is out now*
