Gary Lineker breaks Match of the Day exit silence amid Roman Kemp rumour

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Departing Match of the Day star Gary Lineker has lifted the lid on his decision to step down from the show after spending 25 years in the presenter's chair.

The former Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Everton striker said it was "an absolute joy and privilege" to have presented the show for so long.But he said it is "the right time" to step down and allow "someone else to take the helm" as BBC bosses seek to change the English Premier League highlights show.

The 63-year-old, who also had a spell in Japan during his playing days, is due to step down at the end of the season but will continue to present football shows on the BBC.As well as hosting next season's FA Cup coverage, he will also present the 2026 World Cup, the broadcasting body confirmed previously.

The Mirror reports he said on his podcast, The Rest Is Football: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end."It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they've got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird." The 63-year-old former England striker later added: "I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. "I feel this is now the right time.