Behind Closed Doors: Life, Laughs and Football Audiobook (Free)

Presented by Penguin

‘This is Lineker unleashed. Like a non-football nut I didn’t expect to appreciate it, but between laddish anecdotes are passages of unexpected tenderness . Lineker starts up, dislodging memories and reflections, not just about soccer but his whole life.’

THE TIMES

‘Football is a straightforward game. 22 players run after a ball for 90 a few minutes, and by the end the Germans constantly win.’

This book is inspired by the stories Danny and I’ve shared with one another in what life in football about Behind Closed Doors: Life, Laughs and Football is really like: in the dressing room, in the commentary box, within the pitch and – with the appropriate pixellation – in the showers afterwards.

What’s it certainly like to play with Messi? I wouldn’t know, but I’ve starred alongside him in an advert for Walkers crisps. And, well, his efficiency was world-class.

And exactly what is a lifestyle in football enjoy? You won’t find out much from your dull-as-dishwater post-match interviews – it’s an environment of secrets, superstitions, laughs and personalities, and without a doubt, half from it you won’t believe.

I’ve looked back within my playing days, from England to Leicester, Everton to Barcelona, Tottenham to, er, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and shared the chaotic behind-the-scenes secrets of Match of the Day – and Danny provides chipped in with stories from a lifetime following the game as a fan.

From Italia ’90 to Leicester’s Premier League fairytale, from yellow cards to World Cup trophies (I’ve never been awarded either), its all here – everything you always wanted to find out about football, but didn’t realise that you did.

Inspired by the No.1 podcast NOWADAYS