Alan Hansen was once a cherished figure on , yet he has been absent from UK screens for over a decade since his departure from the iconic BBC show. The former Liverpool and Scotland defender graced our televisions with insightful analysis across 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships, and even an .

His distinctive Scottish accent and blunt critiques, often branding performances as "diabolical" or "shocking", became as much a part of his charm as they were a target for affectionate mimicry. However, in 2014, Hansen stepped away from the limelight and his media commitments. Since then, the legendary centre-back has maintained a low profile and is believed to be enjoying a tranquil life with his wife Janet and their two children, Adam and Lucy.

Hansen's health concerns and the honour of an MBE have occasionally brought him back into public attention, but his absence has undoubtedly left a void in the nation's football punditry scene. Here, Express Sport delves into the life and times of Hansen post-Match of the Day.

During his remarkable 14-year spell at Anfield, Hansen, now aged 69, clinched 25 major honours, including eight league titles and three European Cups. After hanging up his boots in 1991, Hansen transitioned seamlessly into punditry, joining the Match of the Day team the following year, where he offered sharp analysis during the early years of the Premier League.

Hansen's tenure on the show was as legendary as his time on the pitch, solidified even after he famously underestimated a youthful Manchester United side starring David Beckham and Gary Neville, that went on to win a Premier League and FA Cup double.

Yet, over 10 years ago, Hansen elected to exit the limelight. Regarding his departure, Hansen said: "The guys at the BBC know me and I said, 'Look, this is categorical. I'm leaving and nothing will make me change my mind'. I've been in football for 41 years and I'm going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool."

On June 9, 2024, it was announced that Hansen was "seriously ill" and hospitalised, though he fortunately managed to return home to continue his recovery.

Since the fright, Hansen has returned to his normal pursuits, including golf, and appeared cheerful when he was honoured with an MBE for his contribution to football and broadcasting this March at Windsor Castle.

Many assumed Hansen desired a respite following his long-standing screen presence, however, he revealed in a candid 2016 interview that his withdrawal from broadcasting was due to overwhelming nerves.

"There was no training, it was sink or swim," he admitted."After 22 years, I kept telling myself I wouldn't get so nervous, but it got worse. That was one of the reasons I left. The BBC were terrific, I loved the people and Match of the Day but I didn't enjoy the nerves."

Hansen's claims were even corroborated by Gary Lineker, who described his fellow pundit's pre-show anxiety. "He was incredibly nervous," Lineker said. "Which is why he quit. He got so nervous. He used to shuffle his feet on the floor."

However, the ex-England forward did express his deep admiration for Hansen, regarding him as a pioneer of modern-day punditry. "He was probably the first person that went down the more analytic route, a path now followed by so many," Lineker said in April 2023. "He was a brilliant pundit."