Gary Lineker has spoken out for the first time since it was announced he would be stepping down as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season.
It was revealed on Monday that Lineker had signed an 18-month contract with the BBC, but that didn't include his hosting duties of Match of the Day.
The 63-year-old will stand down as presenter of the iconic Premier League highlights show next year.
But he will stay working with the BBC for their coverage of the FA Cup next season before departing after the 2026 World Cup.
Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season
PA
He said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Lineker's future with the BBC was thrown into doubt just last month when an email announcing his departure from Match of the Day to his colleagues was 'leaked'.
The email reportedly featured a statement from BBC chiefs Tim Davie and Alex Kay-Jelski thanking Lineker for his service.
It was also suggested that Lineker's final appearance on Match of the Day would come on October 5, however the BBC insisted the former England international would be in place for the duration of his contract.
They didn't deny the existence of the email though, raising the possibility that the BBC were preparing for Lineker's departure.
Davie is said to have called Lineker a 'world-class presenter' and praised his 'incredible' 25-year run as host of Match of the Day.
Lineker took over as Match of the Day presenter from Des Lynam in 1999 having appeared as a pundit for several years.
Greg Dyke, who was BBC director general from 2000 to 2004, worked with Lineker during his early career hosting the famous highlights programme.
The former FA chairman praised Lineker for his 25-year stint at the helm, but said: "Presenters don’t stay forever, and in the end people watch Match Of The Day for the football”.
Gary Lineker will continue with the BBC for the 2025/26 season
PAHe added: “I remember, I was at ITV when he first became a television personality and I have to say he wasn’t a great presenter in those days, but he grew into the job and at the BBC, and has been brilliant I think for the BBC.
“He is without a doubt an outstanding sports presenter of his time but as I say presenters move on, in the end people watch the programme.
“I think he and others that are around him have become a fun team to watch. They never took football… they took it seriously but without ever thinking that it’s life and death, but I think he’s been a very good presenter of Match Of The Day and I suspect whoever replaces him will be the same.”
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Gary Lineker has been host of Match of the Day since 1999PA"I heard it was by mutual consent. But we all know how much he earns. He's very expensive and the BBC is in difficulties financially.
"It would be a saving on the sports budget which it could use elsewhere. I don't know if he was offered a new contract or not."
Lineker was the BBC highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years with a salary of £1.35m.
