Gary Lineker breaks silence on Match of the Day exit rumours
Gary Lineker has broken his silence regarding his future on Match of the Day, declaring he would be having “conversations” over his contract soon.
The presenter’s future on the BBC football highlights show has been thrown into doubt due to his contract expiring next summer.
On Saturday’s (October 5) show, he began with a quip as he said: “Seven games on the way and it's my final show... before the international break.”
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During a recording of The Rest Is Football podcast, which he hosts alongside MOTD pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker spoke in more detail about the speculation, explaining that he would soon discuss his contract with BBC bosses.
“How are you? Me and Micah have been worrying about you the last few days. What's going on? Can you tell us anything about your contract?", asked Shearer. “What's going on? Inform us, please!”
“I'm coming to the end of my contract in the summer,” replied Lineker. “So it's natural at some point that you have to have conversations, and they've just started. So I don't know why it all spiralled out of control, but…”
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The trio referenced the fact that Richards was installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Lineker in the role, with Richards saying: “What's more concerning – I'm four to one [with the bookies] to replace you!”
“That is a f**king massive concern, by the way,” quipped Shearer, who later joked that he “wouldn’t be signing a new contract” if Richards landed the main presenting role. Lineker, however, was far more complimentary of his co-star, remarking: “Four to one? Blimey. I'd love to see you take over, Micah, I think you'd be brilliant in the chair.”
Match of the Day airs on Saturdays on BBC One.
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