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Gary Lineker found himself at the center of speculation this week regarding his potential departure from Match of the Day. Despite reports suggesting that his time as the host of the popular football show was coming to an end, the BBC clarified that nothing had been decided and Lineker was still under contract until the end of the current football season.

During the latest episode of Match of the Day, Lineker decided to address the rumors in a light-hearted manner. With a playful grin, he joked that it was his “final show” before quickly adding, “Before the international break,” much to the amusement of his co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

While a draft email obtained by the Daily Mail hinted at Lineker’s supposed farewell on Saturday night, the authenticity of the email remains unverified. When approached by a MailOnline reporter for clarification on the matter, Lineker’s response was less than cordial, indicating his frustration with the persistent rumors.

The 63-year-old football legend has had his fair share of controversies during his time with the BBC, including a temporary suspension after criticizing government language in a social media post. Despite these challenges, Lineker expressed gratitude for his 25-year tenure on Match of the Day during an interview in August, emphasizing that he was unsure about his future with the show beyond his current contract.

As speculation continues to swirl around Lineker’s next career move, the BBC has chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter. A spokesperson reiterated that no decisions have been made regarding Lineker’s contract and that he is expected to fulfill his obligations until the end of the season.

With fans eagerly awaiting updates on Lineker’s future with Match of the Day, it seems that the beloved host will keep everyone guessing until a formal announcement is made. In the meantime, viewers can look forward to Lineker’s engaging commentary and expert analysis on the beautiful game for the remainder of the current season.