Gary Lineker rules out one potential Match of the Day replacement - 'I can assure you'
Gary Lineker is set to step down as the presenter of Match of the Day at the end of the season and a number of names have been linked with potentially replacing him
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorGary Lineker has brutally told Micah Richards he will not be replacing him as the presenter of Match of the Day.
It was announced earlier this month that Lineker would be stepping down at the end of the season after 25 years. Since the news emerged, a number of names have been linked with the role, including experienced presenters Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Kelly Somers.
Several ex-footballers have also been mooted as potential replacements, including current Match of the Day pundits Richards and Alan Shearer. Richards and Shearer also appear alongside Lineker on The Rest Is Football podcast and the trio have regularly discussed the future of the show.
On a recent episode, Richards attempted to rule himself out of the running to replace Lineker and was hilariously shut down by the former England striker. "You know what, can I just get this out there, right," Richards began.
"When people are saying Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think it's a massive disrespect to all the presenters out there. There's so many talented people. Just because I'm a pundit, I can give insight to a player, I feel I know the game, I watch tactics.
"But to take over presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that BBC's ever had? There's so many others they can pick over me, I just can't believe they would even put my name in the hat."
Lineker then jokingly replied: "Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won't be asking you."
Lineker has also refused to give his thoughts on who he feels should replace him, but he has shared some advice for his future successor. "Obviously, I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference," he said.
"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."
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