Gary Lineker says 'right time' to leave Match of the Day as BBC plan changes

'I look back and it's been an amazing experience, and I feel incredibly fortunate'

Gary Lineker: 'All things have to come to an end'

GARY Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been "an absolute joy and privilege", but that it is "the right time" for him to exit and "someone else to take the helm" as the BBC look to make changes to the programme.

The sports broadcaster will step down as host of the football highlights programme at the end of the season but will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026, the BBC previously confirmed.