Gary Lineker pokes fun at Match of the Day exit rumours with opening joke

Join Miguel Delaney's Free Game Newsletter!

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Weekly Newsletter!

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Weekly Newsletter

I would like to receive emails about promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.

Gary Lineker humorously commented that he was presenting his last episode of Match of the Day on Saturday, sparking discussion about his future on the show.

This week, the BBC refuted any claims that a major announcement was about to be made regarding its highest-earning presenter, stating that they are bound by a contract that runs until the conclusion of the football season.

Lineker kicked off this week's episode of Match of the Day by stating, "Hi there! We have seven matches to cover, and this will be my last show."

After a well-timed pause, he continued: "Right before the international break."

Alan Shearer chuckled at Lineker's joke, while his co-commentator Micah Richards sat silently.

Former England footballer Lineker took over as the host of the main football highlights program in 1999 after Des Lynam moved to ITV.

According to the BBC's annual report released in July, Lineker has been the highest-paid on-air personality for the BBC for seven years in a row, and in the 2023/24 year, he is the only individual earning over £1 million.