Alan Shearer, the Newcastle legend, has confirmed that he will continue his role on Match of the Day despite his 'amazing friend' Gary Lineker's departure. The news comes after Lineker hosted his final episode on Sunday, marking an end to a 26-year tenure as presenter of BBC's Premier League highlights show.
Lineker’s exit from the programme was planned since November and came amid an anti-Semitism scandal which led him to terminate his contract with BBC 14 months early. He was initially slated to front BBC's coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season before concluding his stint with a broadcast at next summer’s World Cup.
Shearer and Micah Richards were present alongside Lineker during his emotional farewell. The trio, who also host a podcast together, reviewed this season's Premier League finale before bidding goodbye to their colleague.
Here to stay
Despite losing one-third of their team, both Shearer and Richards have decided not to follow suit.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle legend, said:
"He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved, and he's a brilliant broadcaster, and he's a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.
"It's different for myself and Micah, because it's not as if we're not ever going to see him again. I mean, we've done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we're still going to be sort of working together."
He further added that it won't be as if they're never going to see him again since they've already recorded two episodes for their podcast together.
Tributes pour in for departing legend
The BBC commemorated Lineker’s departure by compiling a seven-minute montage featuring tributes from renowned personalities like Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk and Paul Gascoigne. Among them was also Shearer who said: "Match of the Day is everything to him. He loves it; it means the world to him."
While Lineker's departure marks the end of an era for Match of the Day, fans can take solace in knowing that Shearer and Richards will continue to provide their expert analysis on the show. The trio's camaraderie will also live on through their podcast, ensuring that Lineker’s legacy continues to resonate within the football community.
