Gary Lineker says 'right time' to leave Match Of The Day as he hints of changes to show's format

Gary Lineker has said it is "the right time" to leave Match Of The Day and hinted the BBC could change the format of the Premier League highlights show.

The 63-year-old will step down as host at the end of the season and described his time on the show as an "absolute joy and privilege".

Speaking on his podcast, The Rest Is Football, 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."

Lineker went on to say the broadcaster enters a new three-year deal to host top-flight highlights, and that to stay on for another 12 months "would be a bit weird".

"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.

"I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time."

Lineker refused to speculate who would be taking his place, as rumours grew around Mark Chapman, the regular Match Of The Day 2 presenter, Football Focus host Alex Scott, and BBC sports coverage presenter Gabby Logan.

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"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," he said.

"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."

Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and will have presented the show for more than a quarter of a century when he leaves in May 2025.

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He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast alongside his podcast, which also features BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

The former England striker has been the BBC's highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35m in the year 2023/24.

The BBC said future plans for Match Of The Day would be "announced in due course".

(c) Sky News 2024: Gary Lineker says 'right time' to leave Match Of The Day as he hints of changes to show's format