Gary Lineker has been the subject of widespread praise after he bid an emotional farewell to BBC’s Match of the Day
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has paid homage to Gary Lineker as he leaves Match of the Day (MOTD) by recalling a touching act of kindness during their first collaboration. After hanging up his boots, Ferdinand stepped into the world of punditry and joined Lineker for the 2014 World Cup coverage in Rio for the BBC.
Ferdinand shared how Lineker extended a helping hand to him as a new pundit, ensuring he was comfortable while making his debut to millions as a broadcaster. Ferdinand has since become a prominent figure in TNT Sports’ football analysis team.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), Ferdinand expressed his gratitude: “Great presenter, looked after me and made things easier on set for me when I first went into broadcasting at the World Cup in Rio 2014! Part of the furniture for all them years….will be missed on a Saturday night no doubt. A quarter of a century.”
Ferdinand’s comments came in response to Lineker’s final appearance on MOTD, in which he delivered an emotional farewell speech. Lineker’s departure followed a controversial split with the BBC over an antisemitism dispute.
He had been the face of the iconic football highlights show for two decades and had a 26-year tenure with the corporation, reports the Express. Lineker humorously remarked on his exit amidst a period of upheaval: “It wasn’t meant to end this way,” acknowledging that with the title race concluded and relegation spots decided, the Champions League remained the sole focus of discussion.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous,” he said.
Looking directly into the camera, he spoke to the viewers: “And my final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching, thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special, and I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.”
Fellow professionals and broadcasting contemporaries lined up to celebrate Lineker. The BBC featured heartfelt tributes throughout the programme from his co-presenters Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as from Ian Wright, Alan Smith, Peter Shilton, Paul Gascoigne among others, along with sons George, Angus, Tobias and Harry.
Top-flight managers also shared their fond sentiments, with Liverpool’s title-winning manager Arne Slot saying: “Thank you for being such a great presenter of a BBC show that I watched many times when I lived in Holland, and now still.”
Pep Guardiola expressed his own sentiment: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed.”
Labour MP John McDonnell expressed gratitude on social media, joining Rio Ferdinand in thanking Gary Lineker for his Match of the Day contributions: “Thank you Gary Lineker for the years of enjoyment you have given me watching you present Match of the Day. You have presented it with astute football judgement, fairness and wit. You have also won my respect for displaying such humanity and principle on so many issues.”
Looking ahead, Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates are set to take over presenting duties for MOTD starting in the 2025/26 season.
2025-05-26 18:13:26
