Gary Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”, but that it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC looks to make changes to the programme.

Gary Lineker will stand down as host of the BBC’s flagship football show Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker, 63, has hosted the programme, which predominantly shows Premier League highlights on Saturday nights,

Gary Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”, but that it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC look to make changes to the programme.