Gary Lineker receives telling message from Alan Shearer after BBC statement is made
Gary Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC at the end of the current football season, with Sunday's episode of Match of the Day to be his final one as host
Football fans will always remember the sight of Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day with Alan Shearer sitting to his left.
Lineker has announced his departure from the programme, with Sunday's episode marking his final appearance. Shearer was still an active player when Lineker first took the reins of the show in 1999, replacing Des Lynam, who had controversially moved to ITV.
Since hanging up his boots, Shearer has become a staple on the highlights programme and occasionally provides co-commentary for the BBC's live broadcasts. Lineker confirmed his departure via an Instagram video.
Among those paying tribute in the comments was Shearer, who simply wrote: "Thank you for everything", in a post which was short, but still deep in meaning and candour.
Olympic athlete and broadcaster Iwan Thomas also expressed his admiration, writing: "Always been a proper gentleman since met and occasionally worked with since the mid 90s. Without doubt one of, if not the BEST broadcasters of my generation, oh and not bad at sticking a ball in the net too... good luck in the future."
Comedian and former footballer John Bishop shared his gratitude as well, writing: "Gary you leave a great legacy as a player, as a presenter and as a man. Good luck with everything else you do next."
Lineker had initially planned to leave Match of the Day this summer but stay on the BBC's payroll for live football coverage, reports the Mirror. However following backlash over a social media post regarding the situation in Gaza, he has decided to depart ahead of schedule.
"Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio," Lineker stated upon confirmation of his departure. "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
On the day when Lineker's exit became official, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, informed staff via email. Sunday's Match of the Day will mark Lineker's final time presenting the show.
"You will have seen in the past few minutes that Gary Lineker will be leaving the BBC at the end of the current football season. I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you," read the email from Kay-Jelski.
"Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren't easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news. It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service.
"As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am. Let's finish the season strongly with Gary's final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead."