Gary Lineker has admitted he suspects the BBC chose three replacements for him on Match of the Day due to the demanding nature of the job.
The 64-year-old will depart MOTD next month, having been the poster boy of the programme ever since replacing Des Lynam in 1999.
Lineker's role will be shared by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
The BBC have gone for three presenters, rather than one, with chiefs are the broadcaster eager to revamp things in order to appeal to both new and old audiences.
Gary Lineker has admitted he suspects the BBC chose three replacements for him on Match of the Day due to the demanding nature of the job
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Lineker, speaking to Four Four Two, has revealed that he's yet to talk about the role with his three successors.
But the former England, Leicester, Tottenham and Barcelona star has also revealed he suspects the Beeb went with Cates, Chapman and Logan because of how demanding the position is.
"That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment," he said.
"Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.
"That might be it, I don't know. I didn't get involved in any of that.
"I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that.
"I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do - they'll be fine and they'll do a great job.
"I've known them all for years, they're top presenters. I'll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don't think I'll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I'm in."
Gary Lineker will be replaced by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates on Match of the Day
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Lineker will stay with the BBC for a little while longer.
The football icon will depart the broadcaster for good once the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is out of the way.
Lineker, these days, rakes in a small fortune from his Rest is Football podcast.
Speaking to the same publication earlier this week, he confirmed that he's likely to prioritise that - instead of resuming his career in presenting.
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He said: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.
Lineker then added: "I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel."
Lineker's podcast company recorded a huge profit of £1.4million last year.
The BBC presenter often appears on the podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Gary Lineker is set to focus on his Rest is Football podcast when he leaves Match of the DayRESTISFOOTBALLDuring the European Championships back in the summer, Lineker's podcast was downloaded a staggering 19.6 million times.
He did, however, spark controversy with his critical comments on England - despite Gareth Southgate's side making the final.
