Gary Lineker addresses Match of the Day exit talk with cheeky joke about his 'final show'

Gary Lineker couldn't resist making a cheeky joke about his future on Match of the Day on Saturday night.

The popular presenter is approaching the end of his contract with the bbcprompting speculation that he could leave the iconic show.

It has been suggested that Lineker could announce his departure sooner rather than later and the 63-year-old couldn't resist having some fun as he prepared to start Saturday night's show.

After the opening titles, Lineker introduced the show by saying: “Hello, seven games coming up and it's my last show… before the international break.”

This was followed by a wry smile as the camera panned to Alan Shearer and Mica Richards who also smiled and laughed nervously.

Lineker has anchored Match of the day since 1999, when he replaced legendary broadcaster Des Lynam as presenter.

Reports had suggested that the BBC was keen to make changes to the programme, and the broadcaster was already drafting a statement to announce its departure.

But based on Lineker's initial link, it looks like it's not going anywhere yet.

The BBC issued a statement on the matter earlier this week, saying: “We have nothing to announce and have not agreed any next steps regarding his contract.

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

Lineker is understood to be now in talks with BBC executives over a new deal for Match of the Day.

He is now the BBC's longest-serving presenter.

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In addition to his work at the BBC, Lineker is a busy man in the world of business and sports media.

As well as his lucrative partnership with Walkers, the former striker founded Goalhanger Films Ltd, which has produced a series of documentaries.

He also runs Goalhanger Podcasts, including his hit podcast, The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside Shearer and Richards.