London, Apr 19 : British footballer Gary Lineker, whose name figured along with India's Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi for the bronze statue to be installed in Leicester City, has given his support for installing Gandhi's statue.

He extended his support after an MP wrote to him for his opinion on the planned monument in Leicester of the leader of the Indian independence movement. Keith Vaz, the MP for Leicester East said: "I feel his philosophy of brotherhood amongst those of different religions and ethnicity should be honoured and celebrated in the diverse community of Leicester." Replying to the letter, Lineker, a former Leicester City player, wrote: "I agree with you, especially given the ethnic diversities in Leicester."

The bronze statue, which was approved at a planning committee meeting this week, would stand nearly four metres high on a granite plinth close to the Golden Mile - a stretch of road renowned for its Diwali celebrations and jewellery shops, reported The Telegraph.

Protesters said a figure of a local hero such as Lineker would be more appropriate. But Lineker joked: "Perhaps the extra materials required for my ears would make a statue too expensive."

ANI