Gary Lineker gives Match of the Day future update after the BBC release contract statement

Gary Lineker has provided an update on his future as the Match of the Day presenter. The former Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur striker, who replaced Des Lynam as the show's host in 1999, sees his contract with the BBC expire at the end of the season.

According to the broadcaster's annual report, published in July, Lineker earned approximately £1.35m during the 2023/24 financial year, making him the highest-paid talent on the BBC's payroll. With the 63-year-old yet to pen a new deal, speculation has been rife about his future.

Last month, Lineker fanned the flames with a joke when introducing Match of the Day. The BBC were later forced to deny reports they had prepared a statement to announce his departure

"We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract," the official statement read. "He is on contract until the end of the season."

In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Lineker was asked if he's considered parting ways with the BBC. Keeping his cards close to his chest, as quoted by the Press Association, the former England international remained coy.

"I could do. Whether that will be the case I don't know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere... I'm getting old," said Lineker, who founded Goalhanger Podcasts. The company produces 'The Rest Is Football', where he features alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

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The Englishman also created Goalhanger Films Ltd, which has produced several documentaries. And, of course, Lineker also has a long-standing partnership with British crisp company Walkers.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast earlier this year, he revealed he loves working for the BBC. As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Lineker said: "Match Of The Day is such an iconic show, 60 years is such a long time and I have presented it for 25 of those years.

"Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations but, at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day. I love working for the BBC.

"I know it has its issues and it has its troubles but I think it’s brilliant. I think sometimes we don’t shout about how good we are at the BBC and what we offer."

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