Lineker forced to stop podcast after Antonio comment leaves room in stitches

It appears that no matter the status, male gatherings consist of the same thing - football chatter and silly suggestive references.

And we wouldn't have it any other way!

For those of a younger age already partaking in it, don't kid yourself into thinking it dries up as you get older, it doesn't!

Just ask 63-year-old Lineker, whose most recent episode of The Rest is Football contained a moment that few would struggle to keep a straight face at.

The outgoing Match of the Day host invited West Ham striker Antonio onto his show to discuss all things football alongside broadcast colleague Micah Richards.

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The discussion was going swimmingly until the topic switched to Antonio's physical make-up.

The Hammers striker is well known for his well-built physique, something that has helped him in his duels with Premier League defenders over the years.

Asked by Richards whether he has always had a naturally big frame, Antonio said: "No, I was always quite small and skinny when I was younger."

But then things quickly took a turn when Antonio added: "It's actually crazy, until I was 15 I was 5ft 5 and literally within a year I grew six inches… everywhere."

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Take from that what you will.

His comment threw everybody off board, leaving them all in fits of laughter before Lineker responded: "It's kind of what puberty does."

Richards struggled to hold himself together as he told Lineker: "You started that Gaz."

To which the former England striker replied: "I know, it's how I end it that's the problem."

After a brief pause, Lineker did his best to bring the show back to its original topic but even that was too soon for him as he struggled to compose himself before firing another cheeky comment.

"I don't know where to go from there," he said. "I was gonna say it's not all about life's ups and downs!"

Things did finally settle down for the trio who went on to discuss life at West Ham and the highs and lows of Antonio's footballing journey.

Antonio has struggled for form this season in a misfiring West Ham side sitting 14th in the table.

The 34-year-old has netted just once and registered one assist in 11 games this season despite being utilised more than many would have expected.

That has been due to the long-term absence of summer signing Nicklas Fullkrug who remains on the sidelines due to an achilles tendon injury.

Antonio has recently been linked with a January move to Turkish giants Galatasaray with his contract set to expire next summer.