'It's my final show' says Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter makes cheeky joke amid BBC exit rumours
Gary Lineker humorously hinted it might be his last time presenting Match Of The Day on Saturday, amidst rumours about his future with the show.
Despite the BBC denying any imminent announcements about its top-earning presenter, who is contracted until the season's end, Lineker introduced this week's programme with a tease: "Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show."
He then clarified, with impeccable timing, "Before the international break."
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With no Match Of The Day scheduled next week due to the Premier League pausing for international matches until October 19, Alan Shearer grinned at Lineker's jest, while Micah Richards kept still.
Lineker, who became the face of the BBC's premier football highlights programme in 1999 after Des Lynam moved to ITV, has been the broadcaster's highest-paid talent for seven years running, with an estimated £1.35 million earnings for the year 2023/24 as reported in July's annual report.