Gary Lineker breaks silence on Match of the Day 'exit' and 'final show' rumours
Gary Lineker has addressed the speculation surrounding his future as the host of Match of the Day, after the BBC reportedly drafted an email confirming his departure
by Nathan Ridley · ChronicleLiveGary Lineker has spoken up about his ongoing discussions to remain the face of Match of the Day beyond the current season, despite reports suggesting his departure was imminent.
Having led the flagship football programme since 1999, Gary Lineker's role has been under speculation as his notable £1.35 million contract nears its end alongside the 2024-25 Premier League season in May. The 63 year old legend humorously referenced the recent rumours in Saturdays episode, remarking it was his 'final show... before the international break'.
Addressing the swirling rumours on his podcast, The Rest is Football, Lineker shared insights into the present situation: "It's been a strange few days," he acknowledged. As you know, like [Liverpool players] Trent [Alexander-Arnold], like Virgil [van Dijk], like Mo [Salah], I am coming to the end of my contract in the summer.".
Diving deeper, he opened up about the natural progression of such talks, stating, "It's natural at some point that you have to have conversations and they've just started. I don't know why it all spiralled out of control, but all is okay.", reports the Mirror.
Last week's press suggested a leaked email from the BBC, allegedly penned by incoming sports director Alex Jay-Kelski, sealed Lineker's exit at the close of this term. Director General Tim Davie was reported to have praised Lineker's 'incredible' career, endorsing him as a 'world class presenter'.
Rumours suggest Lineker is open to a £350,000 reduction in salary to prolong his tenure. On Saturday's show, he set the record straight with a grin, quipping: "Seven matches on the way and it's my final show... before the international break,".
The BBC has neither confirmed nor denied the speculated email. When asked for an official word, they stated: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."
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Discussing his tenure earlier with BBC Breakfast, Lineker - who still leads in presenting international tournaments and the FA Cup - mused over his longevity: "It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens."
He also reflected on the evolving landscape of football broadcast rights, noting: "Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old! ".
It's understood that bosses at the broadcasting corporation are favouring Mark Chapman as Lineker's eventual successor on MOTD. At 50, Chapman already holds the role of presenting Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a position he's held since 2013.
He also presents on Radio 5 Live and was recently unveiled as the host of the BBC's new Champions League highlights show.