During 1981/2 his goal-poaching role began to evolve and as his control of the ball became more skilled Lineker lead Leicester City's scoring list for four seasons and became an up-front choice for the England squad.
Lineker remained with City from 1978 to 1985 completing 209 appearances and scoring 102 goals, before an $800,000 transfer fee completed his move to Everton. It was a good move for Gary. With 30 league goals under his belt and Footballer of the Year recognition, Gary's value exploded. In the 1986 World Cup, Lineker scored a hat-trick against Poland, not only making him a national hero but securing him the competition's 'Golden Boot Award' for top scorer.
Gary's next destination was Spain. Purchased for 2,750,000 pounds by 'Barcelona,' he kept his high scoring record at both club and international level, winning his first-ever winner's medal in the 1988 Spanish Cup Final. After almost 3 years at Barcelona, Gary graced English shores once more with a move to First Division 'Tottenham Hotspur.' He immediately headed the First Division scorers list and the 1990 World Cup, saw him net another 4 goals and an individual FIFA Fair Play Award. By 1991, Gary had assisted Spurs in an FA Cup win and was captain of the England squad.
The then England manager Graham Taylor, controversially closed Lineker's representative career in 1992 and in 1993, Lineker announced his intention to move to Japan and assist the launch of the J-League. Although football injuries dogged his on-field contributions to Grampus Eight, his role as ambassador was superbly handled and gained Gary even more stature.
Gary announced his retirement from football in November 1994. Today, his success continues. He hosts a newspaper column, is featured in radio and TV presentations and has even entered the world of TV advertising. As well as being the inspirational basis for a long running play, 'An Evening with Gary Lineker,' he also claims co-authorship of a well received, football themed novel.
Gary returned to Leicester City Football Club in April 1995 to feature in a Gordon Banks benefit game. The very next day, Gary was honoured as a Freeman of the City of Leicester.
- Leicester City- December 1978
- Everton - June 1985
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