TV icon Gary Lineker adopts a rescue dog and flies it over from California – and football fans will love its name

TELEVISION sensation Gary Lineker has welcomed a rescue dog into his home after adopting a canine from California.

The England footballing legend has flown his new furry friend across the Atlantic all the way to the UK.

Lineker was all-smiles as he posed for a picture with his new pet, which has now landed safely in the UK after being rescued from the streets of Los Angeles.

He wrote on Twitter: "Meet Filbert, the new and already much loved member of the Lineker family. He’s a rescue from the streets of LA.

"Met him through his foster parent and friend Reggie, on a recent holiday, and it was love at first sight.

"I’ve been dogless for far too long."

Massive Leicester fan Lineker, who scored 103 goals in 216 games for the club, will have left Foxes fans delighted with what he called his companion.

Filbert Street stadium was the home of Leicester City for more than 100 years between 1891 and 2002, and holds a special place in the hearts of Foxes fans.

They have since moved on to the King Power, but Lineker's name for his new pet is a nod to the much loved famous old ground.

Kelly wrote under his post: "He’s gorgeous!!!" and Queen Gooner added: "Ah bless you."

Match of the Day presenter Lineker was left heartbroken back in 2019 when Labrador Snoop died.

He wrote on Twitter at the time: "Profoundly saddened to tell you that my beloved dog, Snoop, passed away last night.

"He was my friend, my companion, my boy.

"Whether I left the house for 2 weeks, 2 days or 2 minutes he would greet me with equal measure of enthusiasm and love.

"I’ll miss him greatly. RIP Snoop."