Gary Lineker offered his thoughts on his departure from Match of the Day(Image: @therestisfootball/Youtube)

Gary Lineker explains reason for Match of the Day exit and makes replacement claim

He has been the face of Match of the Day for close to three decades, but former England international Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day

by · The Mirror

Gary Lineker says he's in the dark about who will replace him as the host of Match of the Day.

Lineker, 63, has been the face of the iconic BBC Premier League highlights show since he replaced Des Lynam in 1999. On Tuesday morning, it was officially confirmed that he will be stepping away from the programme, but will head the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It was understood that Lineker was open to extending his deal beyond next summer, but an offer was not forthcoming. Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are believed to be the three favourites, while the likes of Jason Mohammad are also in the mix.

But while speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker admitted that he also feels it is the right time to part ways with the show. He said, "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.

"It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they've got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.

"I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time. I think the next contract they're looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm."

Lineker is one of the most famous faces in British broadcasting( Image: BBC / Pete Dadds)

When asked who he thinks will replace him and what advice he would give to the new presenter, he added: "Obviously, I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.

"I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it's a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave."

Regular pundit on the show and podcast sparring partner Micah Richards also made it clear that Lineker will be a big miss. The former Manchester City defender said: "You've been in the game for 25 years at the highest level, people don’t do that, and you've done that for 25 years.

Gabby Logan is understood to be in the running for the Match of the Day hotseat( Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

"It is a sad day, not just for us, but for people who have watched you over the years, because you are a great of broadcasting. Yes, you're not leaving yet, but in terms of Match Of The Day, I just want to thank you so much for everything you've done, not just for me, but for everyone associated and who has watched you over the years."

Former BBC chief Greg Dyke admitted he was not surprised to see the Leicester native part ways with the show. It's been speculated that cost-cutting measures could be behind the BBC's refusal to offer a new contract to Lineker.

It's understood they are trying to save £700 million annually and with a yearly salary of £1.35m, Lineker was the highest-earning broadcaster at the BBC.

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