Dan Walker makes Gary Lineker feelings perfectly clear after Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker stepped down as the host of BBC football show Match of the Day over the weekend

Dan Walker says Match of the Day "won't be the same" following Gary Lineker's official departure from the programme over the weekend. The 64-year-old ex-footballer announced in November his intention to step down as presenter of the BBC show, and now it is confirmed that he will part ways with the broadcaster.

Lineker was involved in controversy after sharing a social media post containing an image seen as anti-Semitic. Saying he "apologised unreservedly" for the post, he added stepping back from his BBC duties was the "responsible" thing to do.

Former Football Focus presenter Walker turned to Instagram to post a tribute, saying: "Match of the Day won't be the same. It was always a pleasure to present the show, but it was always Gary's chair. Brilliant career on the pitch matched by a brilliant stint on the biggest football show on the telly #motd."

Walker has hosted provided coverage for significant football events, including the World Cups in 2010 and 2014, reports the Express. Gary made his final Match of the Day appearance on Sunday. Previously, he was slated to continue hosting coverage of the Football World Cup and the upcoming season's FA Cup matches.

The football legend stated in a video posted on Instagram: "I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor. There's no place for it and never should be."

In expressing gratitude towards his collaborators at the broadcaster, he mentioned that after his "long and wonderful" journey, it was "the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways."

Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, commented: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season."

Davie also added: "Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."