Dan Walker's four-word honest verdict as Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day
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Ex-BBC Football Focus host Dan Walker has voiced his conviction that Match of the Day "won't be the same" in the absence of Gary Lineker. The iconic Tottenham Hotspur and England legend has hung up his microphone after an illustrious 26-year stint as the face of the Premier League highlight show.
Lineker's parting words, laden with emotion, saw the broadcasting stalwart nearly moved to tears as he bid farewell during his last episode at age 64. The ex-forward's announcement of his departure from the BBC came shortly after he faced backlash over a tweet criticising Israel, accompanied by an emoji depicting a rat.
Subsequent to removing the contentious tweet, Lineker offered an apology and announced his intention to leave BBC for good when the 2024/25 season concludes.
His soul-stirring goodbye to BBC comrades unfolded on Sunday night, touching many, including Walker, who helmed Football Focus for over a decade before his transition to Channel 5 in 2022. In a show of camaraderie, Walker publicly hailed his former BBC mate following the season curtain-closer.
Taking to a platform, the presenter, once considered a potential successor to Lineker, communicated his thoughts: "Match of the Day won't be the same without Gary Lineker.", reports the Mirror.
Rich in praise for Lineker, he reflected, "It was always a pleasure to present the show, but it was always Gary's chair. Brilliant career on the pitch matched by a brilliant stint on the biggest football show on the TV."
At the close of the programme, Lineker expressed his gratitude: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier. Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits."
Originally, Lineker was set to resign only from the weekly Premier League highlight presentations on the show, while continuing to helm live FA Cup broadcasts and the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, with plans to retire post-World Cup.
Nevertheless, his social media activity accelerated his departure from BBC. Last Monday, confirming he was leaving imminently, he stated: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.
"I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
BBC Chief Tim Davie remarked: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season."
Having helmed the premier BBC programme for 26 years, Lineker succeeded Des Lynam in 1999. He stepped into Match of the Day's leading role following Lynam's departure to ITV.
For the upcoming season, Match of the Day will be hosted by a trio consisting of Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.
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