Gary Lineker couldn’t resist making a cheeky joke about his Match Of The Day future on Saturday night.
The popular host is nearing the end of his contract with the BBC, leading to speculation that he might be set to leave the iconic show.
It’s been suggested that Lineker could announce his exit sooner rather than later and the 63-year-old couldn’t resist having some fun as he prepared to start Saturday night’s show.
Following the opening titles, Lineker introduced the show, saying: “Hello, seven games on the way and it’s my final show…before the international break.”
This was followed by a wry smile as the camera cut to Alan Shearer and Micah Richards who also smiled and laughed nervously.
Lineker has anchored Match Of The Day since 1999 when he replaced legendary broadcaster Des Lynam as host.
Reports had suggested that the BBC were keen to make changes to the show with the broadcaster already drawing up a statement to announce his departure.
But based on Lineker’s opening link, it seems that he’s going nowhere just yet.
The BBC released a statement on the matter earlier this week, saying: “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.”
Lineker is understood to now be in talks with BBC executives over a new Match of the Day deal.
He’s now the BBC’s longest-serving presenter.
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As well as his work with the BBC, Lineker is a busy man in the world of business and sports media.
Along with his lucrative partnership with Walkers, the former striker founded Goalhanger Films Ltd which has produced a series of documentaries.
He also runs Goalhanger Podcasts which includes his hit podcast, The Rest Is Football which he presents along with Shearer and Richards.
Of course before moving into presenting, Lineker played for Leicester City, Barcelona and Tottenham during in a hugely successful career.
He also won 80 caps for England, scoring 48 goals in the process.
