By Graeme Yorke

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Gary Lineker has returned to Twitter - just over a week after deleting his account because he claimed it was 'taking over' his life.

The former England striker and Match of the Day presenter stated he had taken down his profile for 'personal reasons' so he could spend more time with his family.

But he was back on Saturday teatime, writing: 'Back by no popular demand whatsoever. Glad it never caused any fuss my taking a break ; )'

He's back! Gary Lineker returned to Twitter on Saturday night, eight days after deleting his account because it was taking up too much of his time

He's back! Gary Lineker returned to Twitter on Saturday night, eight days after deleting his account because it was taking up too much of his time

Lineker has posted over 8,000 tweets on the popular social network. He was one of Britain's most popular users with 1.3m followers.

He had signed off on January 18 with the cryptic message: 'I'm leaving Twitter for personal reasons. Thanks all.'

Front man: Lineker, the former England striker, presents Match of the Day on the BBC

Front man: Lineker, the former England striker, presents Match of the Day on the BBC

A spokesman for the presenter would not comment on the decision at the time, but a BBC Sport spokesman claimed the decision to delete was taken because he was spending too much time online.

She said: 'The only reason I've been told is that he decided to come off [Twitter] because it was taking up too much of his time.

'I've just spoken to the executive producer and everything is as normal.'

Holiday: Lineker with his wife Danielle in St Barts earlier this month

Holiday: Lineker with his wife Danielle in St Barts earlier this month

The announcement came five months after the former England footballer was targeted by an online 'troll' who joked about his 20-year-old son's childhood battle with leukaemia.

Dozens of fans took to Twitter to voice their shock at his departure.

Lineker has four sons with his ex-wife and is now married to former model Danielle Bux, who has a daughter from a previous relationship.