Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about staying

GARY Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the Day to “change the programme”.

Lineker, 64, stepped down from MOTD in May last year and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup final and World Cup.

Gary Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the Day BBCThe pundit stepped back from the show in May last year[/caption]

Speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, the pundit was asked why he would choose to leave.