Watch: Gary Lineker bids emotional farewell in final Match of the Day
Gary Lineker was visibly emotional as he presented his final Match of the Day over the weekend, kicking off the show by noting that it 'wasn't meant to end this way.'
The presenter was axed after 25 years at the helm of the show after he shared a pro-Palestine video via Instagram which included an anti-Semitic emoji.
Earlier in the year, Gary confirmed he was stepping down from MOTD but would be continuing his presenter role with the FA Cup and 2026 World Cup. He later revealed he would be fully departing the BBC following the final Match of the Day of the season. Gary Lineker was visibly emotional as he presented his final Match of the Day over the weekend, kicking off the show noting that it 'wasn't meant to end this way.' Pic: BBC Match of the Day/ X
Kicking off his final show on Sunday, Gary said it 'wasn't meant to end this way' hinting at his departure from the broadcaster.
Throughout the show, there was a number of well wishes for the former striker, including a seven-minute tribute from football stars including Ian Wright, Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk.
Gary was joined in the studio by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards who he said he suspected he would cross paths with again 'very shortly.' @bbcsport
Here's how Gary Lineker said goodbye to Match of the Day after 25 years. ♬ original sound – BBC Sport
He said: 'Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the other pundits that I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you've made my job so much easier.
'Also a huge thank you to those you don't see at home. The work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs.'
Gary jokingly added: 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits.' Sky Sports Presenter Kelly Cates will be joining the Match of the Day team when it returns. Pic:The outgoing presenter said it had been 'an absolute privilege' to have hosted the soccer show for a quarter of a century, and extended well wishes to his fellow MOTD presenters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, as well as newcomer Kelly Cates who would be joining the team in his place.
'My final thank you goes to all of you,' the presenter said, 'Thank you for watching. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It's been so special. I'm sorry that your team was always on last.
'Time to say goodbye.'
Well wishes for the 64-year-old poured in online with many applauding Gary and condemning the BBC.
One said: 'Disgraceful BBC.'
Another added: 'So much respect for Gary Lineker, he did not bend on his principles, and even when it cost him his career, he was kind and classy on his way out.'
A third wrote: 'Goodbye Gary, you're a legend. End of an era, and with that… gonna stop watching.'
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