Gary Lineker has mentioned it’s “the right time” to go away Match Of The Day and hinted the BBC may change the format of the Premier League highlights present.
The 63-year-old will step down as host on the finish of the season and described his time on the present as an “absolute joy and privilege”.
Talking on his podcast, The Relaxation Is Soccer, he mentioned: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.
“However all issues have to come back to an finish.”
Lineker went on to say the broadcaster enters a new three-year deal to host top-flight highlights, and that to stay on for another 12 months “can be a bit bizarre”.
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.
“I bowed out in my soccer profession once I felt it was the proper time. I really feel that is now the proper time.”
Lineker refused to take a position who can be taking his place, as rumours grew round Mark Chapman, the common Match Of The Day 2 presenter, Soccer Focus host Alex Scott, and BBC sports activities protection presenter Gabby Logan.
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“Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself,” he mentioned.
“I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam.
“…I’d say simply be your self and revel in it, it is a fantastic programme to be part of. It was sensible earlier than I took over, and will probably be sensible after I go away.”
Picture:
Lineker pictured with former MOTD host Des Lynam in 2009. Pic: PA
Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and can have introduced the present for greater than 1 / 4 of a century when he leaves in Could 2025.
He’ll proceed with the MOTD High Ten podcast alongside his podcast, which additionally options BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The previous England striker has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air expertise for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35m within the 12 months 2023/24.
The BBC mentioned future plans for Match Of The Day can be “announced in due course”.
