Gary Lineker gives update amid speculation over future of Match of the Day

Gary Lineker has given the clearest indication yet that he could be stepping down from hosting Match of the Day.

Lineker took over hosting duties for the iconic bbc show in 1999 when he replaced Des Lynam.

The Leicester City legend has remained in the role since then and is the highest paid talent on the BBC payroll.

According to the broadcaster's annual report published in July, Lineker earned approximately £1.35 million in the 2023/24 financial year.

However, Lineker's contract with the BBC ends at the end of the season.

There has been much speculation about Lineker's future, causing a cheeky joke from the 63-year-old when he hosted the show in early October.

The BBC was also forced to deny reports that they had prepared a statement to announce his departure.

“We have nothing to announce and have not agreed the next steps regarding his contract,” the BBC statement read.

“He has a contract until the end of the season.”

However, Lineker has added fuel to the fire this season that could be his last in an interview with Esquire magazine.

When asked by Esquire if he had thought about leaving the BBC to focus on his other business and media projects, Lineker played coy.

“It would suit me,” Lineker said, according to the Press Association.

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“Whether that will be the case, I don't know. At some point, I'll have to slow down somewhere… I'm getting old.”

In addition to Match of the dayLineker founded Goalhanger Films Ltd, which has produced several documentaries.

Lineker also created Goalhanger Podcasts, which produces his much-loved The Rest Is Football, where he appears alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

Lineker also has a lucrative partnership with British crisp company Walkers.

The 63-year-old has carved out an impressive career having been one of England's best strikers in his prime.

Lineker scored goals for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham and was named Ballon d'Or runner-up in 1986.

He had immense success at international level with the Three Lions, scoring 48 goals in 80 international matches and was later inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.