Gary Lineker adressed his future as Match of the Day host (Picture: BBC)
Gary Lineker made light of the speculation surrounding his Match of the Day future with a witty opening remark during Saturday evening’s show.
The sports broadcaster and former professional footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC show for 25 years but speculation in the week had suggested that this week could be his last.
Emails reportedly seen by the Daily Mail claimed to show that the broadcaster was gearing up to announce his imminent departure, including a note from director general Tim Davie paying tribute to the ‘world-class presenter’.
The BBC haver since denied any such pending announcement and said Lineker was still under contract until the end of the season.
And introducing this week’s show, Lineker made light of the rumours, saying: ‘Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show… before the international break.’
With players reporting for international duty next week, there are no Premier League fixtures next weekend and no scheduled Match of the Day episode.
The joke brought a wry smile from colleague and former England striker Alan Shearer sitting beside him on Saturday’s show.
Gary Lineker has been hosting Match of the Day for 25 years (Picture: Getty)
Lineker is currently the highest-paid presenter on the BBC – earning a yearly salary of £1,350,000 – but has endured a tumultuous relationship with the broadcaster at points.
The most high-profile incident occurred in March last year when Lineker was required to step back from presenting on the BBC for three days after he openly criticised the government’s immigration policy.
His social media post compared the Home Office’s migrant boat policy to Nazi Germany, sparking both widespread praise and criticism.
The decision led to a bizarre incident where the show was broadcast without presenters, pundits or its usual commentators when on-screen staff refused to appear on the show in a show of solidarity towards Lineker.
The 63-year-old was eventually allowed to return, although he’s not been involved in the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.
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