Gary Lineker has named Danny Murphy as the Match of the Day pundit he'll miss most when he steps down from the flagship BBC show.
The 64-year-old presenter will leave the iconic programme at the end of the current season after 26 years in the role.
Lineker took over from Des Lynam in 1999 and has been a mainstay of Saturday night football coverage ever since.
He will remain with the BBC to host FA Cup matches next season and will also front their 2026 World Cup coverage before retiring.
Gary Lineker has named Danny Murphy as the Match of the Day pundit he'll miss most when he steps down from the flagship BBC show
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While Lineker has worked with numerous pundits over the years, he won't miss Alan Shearer and Micah Richards quite as much.
This is because the trio will continue to work together on their popular podcast, The Rest Is Football.
"There's no point saying Alan or Micah, as I'll still be working with them," Lineker told FourFourTwo.
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Gary Lineker will keep working with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast
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He jokingly added: "I don't like any of the others!" before clarifying: "That's a joke. I'll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around."
Murphy, who played for Liverpool between 1997 and 2004 and earned nine England caps, first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013.
The 48-year-old has become a regular fixture, making more than 170 guest appearances.
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This impressive tally puts him just 22 appearances shy of Match of the Day legend Alan Hansen.
Lineker will be replaced by a trio of presenters, as confirmed in January.
Sky Sports' Kelly Cates will share the prestigious role with BBC regulars Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
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The three will rotate hosting duties for the programme that has been synonymous with Lineker for over two decades.
Lineker offered his thoughts on having three replacements: "That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment.
"Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.
"I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that."
Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season
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The former Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester star expressed confidence in his successors despite not having spoken to them yet about the role.
"I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do," he said.
"They'll be fine and they'll do a great job. I've known them all for years, they're top presenters."
