Gary Lineker addresses Match of the Day future live on TV after exit rumours

Gary Lineker made airy of the speculation surrounding his Match of the Day aboriginal with a witty opening remark during Saturday evening’s show.

The sports broadcaster and erstwhile nonrecreational footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC amusement for 25 years but speculation successful the week had suggested that this week could beryllium his last.

Emails reportedly seen by the Daily Mail claimed to amusement that the broadcaster was gearing up to denote his imminent departure, including a enactment from manager wide Tim Davie paying tribute to the ‘world-class presenter’.

The BBC haver since denied immoderate specified pending announcement and said Lineker was inactive nether declaration until the extremity of the season.

And introducing this week’s show, Lineker made airy of the rumours, saying: ‘Hello. Seven games connected the mode and it’s my last show… earlier the planetary break.’

With players reporting for planetary work adjacent week, determination are nary Premier League fixtures adjacent play and nary scheduled Match of the Day episode.

The gag brought a wry grin from workfellow and erstwhile England striker Alan Shearer sitting beside him connected Saturday’s show.

Lineker is presently the highest-paid presenter connected the BBC – earning a yearly wage of £1,350,000 – but has endured a tumultuous narration with the broadcaster astatine points.

The astir high-profile incidental occurred successful March past twelvemonth erstwhile Lineker was required to measurement backmost from presenting on the BBC for 3 days aft helium openly criticised the government’s migration policy.

His societal media station compared the Home Office’s migrant vessel argumentation to Nazi Germany, sparking some wide praise and criticism.

The determination led to a bizarre incidental wherever the amusement was broadcast without presenters, pundits oregon its accustomed commentators erstwhile on-screen unit refused to look connected the amusement successful a amusement of solidarity towards Lineker.

The 63-year-old was yet allowed to return, though he’s not been progressive successful the BBC’s caller Champions League highlights show.

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