Gary Lineker has been vocal about his future as Match of the Day host. (Image: The Rest Is Football)
has revealed what he told the bosses after discovering who the favourite to replace him in the Match of the Day chair was.
Lineker has been at the front of a storm after it was rumoured last Saturday’s Match of the Day would be his final-ever show as its presenter.
The ex-Leicester City and Barcelona striker teased viewers with his opening line over the weekend, starting the broadcast by comedically saying: “It’s my final show… before the international break.”
Lineker’s contract with the broadcaster is set to expire at the end of the current football season, with reports employees have been told to prep for the anchor’s departure.
As a result, the rumour mill has been swirling with suggestions about who might replace Lineker as the Match of the Day host.
One name that has, perhaps surprisingly, been thrown into the mix is Micah Richards.
This didn’t escape the former star, who mentioned his potential career change during a recent episode of .
Responding during a discussion around Lineker’s future, Richards said: “What’s more concerning [is] I’m 4/1 [at the bookies] to replace you.
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Gary Lineker hosts Match of the Day and fronts the BBC’s tournament coverage. (Image: Getty)
Alan Shearer quickly chimed in with his thoughts on the matter, saying: “That is a f—— massive concern by the way. I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”
But Lineker was more forthcoming to the idea: “4/1? I’d love to see you take over, Micah. I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.
Before adding a jibe of his own: “You’ll have some power then, Micah. I told them, even with your eyesight, you could have a read of an autocue.”
Lineker has been the host of the weekly football highlights show since 1999 and has also fronted the ’s coverage for World Cup and European Championship tournaments.
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The 63-year-old is the highest-paid star, of those whose salaries are declared, but his time with the corporation hasn’t been without controversy.
He was suspended by the last year after criticisms around his social media activity, specifically the UK Government’s asylum policy.
Commenting on Lineker’s future, a spokesperson told the last week: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is under contract until the end of the season.”