Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for 25 years, but his days as the show's host are now officially numbered.

10:54, Tue, Nov 12, 2024 | UPDATED: 11:30, Tue, Nov 12, 2024

Gary Lineker 'doesn't know' when he'll stop presenting MOTD

Kirstie Allsopp has posted a cryptic statement after the BBC confirmed that Gary Lineker won't be returning to present Match of the Day.

The 63-year-old retired footballer has presented the Beeb's iconic football highlights show since 1999, but it's been confirmed he will step down at the end of the current season in May 2025.

Taking to X, Channel 4 property presenter Kirstie made her feelings clear as she wrote: "No presenter is indispensable, sobering as it is for someone like me, it’s no bad thing to be reminded of that. Enjoy the job while you have it, KMA because nothing is forever."

One of her followers in the comments section replied: "Is this an announcement or have I missed something?", to which Kirstie typed back: "Gary Lineker."

Just a few weeks ago, the Daily Mail claimed to have obtained sight of an internal BBC email which shows a statement cutting ties with Lineker. The BBC denied any notion of Gary's departure at the time.

No presenter is indispensable, sobering as it is for someone like me, it’s no bad thing to be reminded of that. Enjoy the job while you have it, KMA because nothing is forever ??????

— Kirstie Allsopp (@KirstieMAllsopp) November 12, 2024

They stated to the publication: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."

In a seperate exchange, Lineker spoke to a journalist who appeared outside his home in Barnes, replying with: "F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away."

On Tuesday 12 November, Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said in a statement: "After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.

"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.

National Theatre Gary Lineker

The BBC says Gary Lineker will be "hugely missed" on 'Match of the Day' (Image: Getty)

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"He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

Gary will continue fronting the 'MOTD Top Ten' podcast while his 'The Rest is Football' podcast will air on BBC Sounds.

He has also "agreed in principle" to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup, and he will be fronting the BBC's coverage of the tournament, as well as the broadcaster's FA Cup coverage for the 2025/26 season.

It comes just months after the BBC's annual salary report revealed Gary's eye-watering sum. The presenter topped the list for a seventh year running.

In 2022-23, Gary took home at least £1,350,000 and he managed to equal that figure over the last year. Radio presenter Zoe Ball was in second place.