Gary Linker has set the record straight regarding his Match of the Day future – leading Alan Shearer to hilariously take aim at Micah Richards.
The England legend has presented the iconic BBC highlights show since 1999 after replacing Des Lynam in the hot seat.
But rumours swirled last week that the 63-year-old could be moved on following the expiration of his contract next year.
Reports even suggested that a statement from the broadcaster was being drafted up to announce Lineker’s departure.
The speculation led Lineker to open Saturday night’s MOTD show with a cheeky joke about his future – much to the amusement of Shearer and Richards in the studio.
And the topic of his future was brought up again on the recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, where Lineker provided an update on his BBC contract.
Starting off the episode, Newcastle hero Shearer asked for clarification regarding Lineker’s future after joking he and Richards have been ‘worried for days’.
The Premier League’s all-time scorer then likened it to Liverpool‘s current predicament with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all in the final year of their deals – leaving RIchards in hysterics.
Replying to Shearer, Lineker said: “I think there is one significant difference… the Liverpool fans really care about those three.”
Through laughter, he added: “As you know, like Trent, like Virgil, like Mo, I’m coming to the end of my contract in the summer.
“So it’s natural at some point that you have to have conversations, and they’ve just started, so I don’t know why it all spiralled out of control.”
It was at that point where Richards interjected, where he stated: “What’s more concerning, I’m 4/1 to replace you!”
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All three men then burst into tears, leading to a hilarious – and brutal – one-liner from Shearer.
He simply stated: “That is a f****** massive concern by the way.”
Conceding Manchester City fan favourite Richards would be great for the role, Lineker then remarked: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”
After the 2012 Premier League champion played down the talk, Shearer then fired in another cheeky jibe.
The ex-Blackburn star said: “I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way!”
It led Richards to fire back, saying: “I’d be telling them to get rid of you! Imagine that, Big Meeks a dictator!”
Having the final say, Lineker then remarked: “You know what Micah? With your eyesight, I don’t think you’d be able to read the autocue.”
