Gary Lineker breaks silence for first time since BBC Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker volition beryllium stepping down arsenic the presenter of BBC Match of the Day adjacent summertime aft agreeing a caller 18-month declaration with the BBC that changes his role

Gary Lineker has spoken retired connected societal media for the archetypal clip since it was announced helium would beryllium stepping distant from Match of the Day astatine the extremity of the season.

Lineker has presented the amusement since 1999, but this play volition beryllium his past aft the erstwhile England striker agreed a caller 18-month contract with the BBC that volition drastically alteration his role.

The woody runs until the extremity of the 2026 World Cup and volition spot Lineker beforehand the broadcaster's sum of the tournament, arsenic good arsenic continuing to contiguous FA Cup games for the BBC. Lineker volition besides support appearing connected the MOTD Top Ten podcast and episodes of his The Rest is Football podcast volition present beryllium disposable connected BBC Sounds.

And the 62-year-old has present breached his soundlessness connected the quality aft responding to writer Simon Kelner connected societal media who wrote: "Now much than ever, we request radical similar ⁦@GaryLineker⁩ to basal up for those little fortunate. Keep going, Gary".

In response, Lineker simply wrote: "Thank you, Simon." In a connection announcing Lineker's caller BBC contract, the broadcaster said: "The BBC and Gary Lineker person agreed successful rule a declaration hold done to the 2026 World Cup.

"Gary volition pb the sum of the tournament, arsenic England erstwhile again effort to onshore a archetypal large trophy since 1966, the different Home Nations look to suffice and Lionel Messi aims to clasp the trophy helium won with Argentina.

"Gary volition besides big BBC Sport's sum of the FA Cup successful the 2025/26 season, 35 years connected from lifting the trophy arsenic a player. After a 4th of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of The Day astatine the extremity of this season.

"He volition proceed with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC volition besides big the hugely fashionable The Rest is Football podcast connected BBC Sounds." Lineker was besides quoted arsenic saying: "I'm delighted to proceed my agelong relation with BBC Sport and would similar to convey each those who made this happen."

Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC's caller manager of sport, added: "Gary is simply a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll pb our sum of the adjacent World Cup and proceed to pb our unrecorded sum of the FA Cup.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We privation to convey him for everything helium has done for the show, which continues to pull millions of viewers each week. He'll beryllium hugely missed connected the amusement but we're truthful blessed helium is staying with the BBC to contiguous unrecorded football."

Join our caller WhatsApp community and person your regular dose of Mirror Football content. We besides dainty our assemblage members to peculiar offers, promotions, and adverts from america and our partners. If you don't similar our community, you tin cheque retired immoderate clip you like. If you're curious, you tin work our Privacy Notice.