I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was right time ...and this is right time with MOTD

Lineker says BBC hit needs a new host for its revamp

- DANIEL BIRD

FOOTIE legend Gary Lineker has said it is the right time to step down from Match of the Day after 25 years in the presenter's chair.

The former striker, 63, said it makes sense for a new host to take charge as BBC bosses seek to change the Premier League highlights show.

Lineker, who represented Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur before a spell in Japan during his playing days, is due to leave the role at the end of the season but will continue to present football shows on the BBC.

As well as hosting next season's FA Cup coverage, he will also present the 2026 World Cup.

He said on his podcast The Rest Is Football: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC but all things have to come to an end.

BRILLIANT

"It came at a point where really the BBC and Match of the Day, they've got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season, so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird." Lineker added: "I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time.