Gary Lineker has ‘just started’ Match of the Day contract talks

OHMYGOSSIP — Gary Lineker has “just started” new contract talks with the BBC.
The ‘Match of the Day’ host has addressed his future on the broadcaster’s iconic football highlights show with his current deal set to experience next summer at the end of the current season.
The retired striker was asked about the situation by his ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
He explained: “I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer.
“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…”
Micah, who appears with Alan as a pundit on the weekly show, pointed out that he’s been named the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Gary as the host.
He quipped: “What’s more concerning – I’m four to one [with the bookies] to replace you!”
Alan teased it was a “massive concern”, and jokingly insisted he “wouldn’t be signing a new contract” if Micah secured the main presenting role.
Gary laughed: “Four to one? Blimey. I’d love to see you take over, Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”
The former England international started Saturday’s (05.10.24) show with a direct reference to reports claiming the BBC was preparing to announce his departure from a show he’s fronted since 1999.
Immediately after the opening credits, Gary said: “even games on the way and it’s my final show…. Before the international break.”
Responding to the reports themselves, a BBC spokesperson has said: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”
Earlier this year, Gary insisted his future on the show “depends how long they want me”, but he “loves doing it at the moment”.
He added to ‘BBC Breakfast’: “Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part.
“But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”

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