Gary Lineker signs off from final Match of the Day as he leaves BBC after 26 years

Gary Lineker signs off from final Match of the Day as he leaves BBC after 26 years

Gary Lineker bid an emotional farewell on his final episode of Match of the Day after a remarkable 26-year tenure hosting the show. The popular host, who had announced his departure from the program in November, tearfully signed off, marking the end of an era. Following the conclusion of the Premier League season, Lineker chose to depart from the BBC entirely due to a social media controversy involving an antisemitic post he inadvertently shared.

During his farewell episode, Lineker, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude to viewers and his love for hosting Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. He was presented with a commemorative cap and golden boot by fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, marking the end of his long-standing stint on the show. Despite the emotional farewell, Lineker acknowledged the support and love he had received over the years and apologized for always featuring viewers’ teams last.

Having taken over as the main presenter of Match of the Day in 1999, Lineker’s departure marked the end of an illustrious career with the BBC that had seen him become one of its highest-paid presenters. His time at the network was not without controversy, as he faced backlash over his social media posts on various occasions. Lineker’s recent mishap involving a social media post about Zionism led to his early exit from the BBC, prompting him to acknowledge the error and step back in what he deemed the responsible course of action.

Lineker’s final episode featured interviews with prominent figures such as Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who paid tribute to Lineker’s exceptional hosting skills. The show commemorated Lineker’s career highlights, including memorable moments like presenting in his Leicester City boxer shorts after the team won the Premier League in 2016. As Lineker bid adieu to Match of the Day, he expressed his best wishes to his successors, Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates, ensuring viewers that the program would be in capable hands moving forward

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