Gary Lineker, a renowned sports presenter and former professional footballer, has recently shared his thoughts on whether he would consider covering his beloved Leicester City Football Club in the Championship as he prepares for his final episode of Match of the Day.
Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day in May after 26 years as a presenter for BBC's flagship Premier League highlights show. Despite this impending departure, Lineker remains an ardent fan of Leicester City FC. However, he has yet to confirm his plans for next season.
During a recent episode of his podcast 'The Rest is Football', Lineker was asked by a listener if he would consider hosting a Match of the Day-style highlights show for the Championship if Leicester were relegated from top-flight football this season. Leicester City FC, where Lineker began his professional career, currently sits at 19th place in the Premier League table and faces significant challenges to avoid relegation.
Gary Lineker, Premier League legend, said:
"Oh to me, 'Gary would you do a Match of the Day style show for the championship next season so you can finally enjoy Leicester again?',"
"All right, we're not relegated yet! Thanks, Chris. Yeah, I mean I think there's a degree of invevitability about it. Well, one, we don't have the rights on the BBC to show the Championship and secondly no thanks!
"I've never really had weekends off in my adult life unlike you guys [Alan Shearer and Micah Richards]. I turn up every Saturday, week in, week out. The old soldier... what a warrior, eh?"
Lifelong allegiance
Lineker's connection with Leicester runs deep. He made over 200 appearances and scored more than 100 goals for them after making his debut in 1978. At age 64 now, it hasn't been an easy season for him presenting Match of The Day while watching Leicester struggle under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
With nine games left to play this season and being currently twelve points away from safety zone, it seems like an uphill battle ahead for The Foxes. Despite leaving Match Of The Day at end-season, Lineker will continue working with BBC next year covering FA Cup games during their 2025-26 campaign before leading their presenting team at World Cup 2026; post which he will depart from BBC altogether.
While it remains to be seen whether Lineker will take up the challenge of presenting a Championship highlights show, his love for Leicester City FC is undeniable. As fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike wait for his decision, one thing is certain - Gary Lineker's passion for football and dedication to his beloved club will continue to shine through in whatever he does next.
