Gary Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”, but that it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC looks to make changes to the programme.

Gary Lineker has said it is "the right time" for another presenter to take on hosting Match of the Day, as the BBC looks to do the football programme "slightly differently" in the future. Earlier this week, Lineker announced he will step down from the show at the end of this season after 25 years as host.

Gary Lineker says ‘right time’ to leave Match Of The Day with BBC planning altered format - The sports broadcaster will step down as host of the football highlights programme at the end of the season.