Gary Lineker: Bigger problems in the world than my Match of the Day contract

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Louise Thomas

Editor

Sports pundit Gary Lineker has said “there are bigger problems in the world” than discussions over his future with Match Of The Day.

The BBC last week denied an announcement was pending regarding its highest-paid star, who is under contract until the end of the football season.

He began Saturday’s show by joking that it was his final one, quickly adding: “Before the international break.”

Lineker has again laughed off talk of his future, telling The Rest Is Football podcast: “There are bigger problems in the world, that’s for sure.”

The 63-year-old joked that his situation is like the Liverpool trio of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose deals all expire in the summer.

“I think there is one significant difference – Liverpool fans really care about those three,” added the former England striker.

“It’s been a strange few days – as you know, like Trent, Virgil and Mo, I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer so it’s natural at some point you have to have conversations and they have just started.

“I don’t know why it all spiralled out of control. All is OK.”

Lineker revealed that his co-presenters Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are in a “similar predicament”, to which Richards replied: “What is more concerning is I’m 4-1 to replace you!”

Shearer said: “That is a massive concern. I’m not signing my contract if you’re presenter.”

Lineker took over the flagship football highlights show in 1999 after predecessor Des Lynam joined ITV.

He has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35 million in the year 2023/24, according to the corporation’s annual report published in July.