Gary Lineker names date he'll retire from presenting amid Match of the Day saga

Gary Lineker has revealed that he will not pursue another broadcasting gig once his final commitments are concluded next year. The outgoing host after 26 years.

, 64, will give up his spot on the iconic football highlights show at the end of this month but will continue to front the BBC's coverage of the next season, as well as the in the summer.

But while Lineker after giving up his primary gig, the former England captain has ruled out prolonging his broadcasting career.

"Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire," Lineker told in an interview during his final weeks at the Match of the Day helm.

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Lineker, who is set to be replaced by three alternating presenters in the form of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, has enjoyed tremendous success away from the Match of the Day studio as the co-owner of Goalhanger Productions, a podcast production company.

Since its inception in 2018, the company has grown rapidly and boasts a number of leading shows, including The Rest is - which Lineker stars on alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards - and The Rest is Politics.

Lineker's interview comes at a time where the BBC have faced calls to sack the renowned sports broadcaster after he from the campaign group, Palestine Lobby, on Monday.

Lineker issued an apology for sharing the post on Wednesday night, saying: “On I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”

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