Gary Lineker breaks silence since BBC Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker has spoken out on social media since it was announced he would be stepping away from BBC Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker has hosted the show since 1999 but this season will be his last.

The former England striker has agreed a new 18-month contract with the BBC that will drastically change his role. The deal runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup and will see Lineker front the broadcaster's coverage of the tournament.

He will continue to present FA Cup games for the BBC. The dad-of-four will also continue to feature on the MOTD Top Ten podcast, while episodes of his The Rest is Football podcast will now be available on BBC Sounds.

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The 62-year-old has now broken his silence on the news, Mirror reports. Journalist Simon Kelner said to Lineker on social media: "Now more than ever, we need people like @GaryLineker to stand up for those less fortunate. Keep going, Gary".

In response, Lineker simply wrote: "Thank you, Simon." In a statement announcing Lineker's new BBC contract, the broadcaster said: "The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.

"Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify andLionel Messiaims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina. Gary will also host BBC Sport's coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.

"After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds."

Lineker was also quoted as saying: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen." Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC's new director of sport, added: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."