Gary Lineker has no plans to retire from presenting any time soon amid uncertainty over his Match of the Day future, reports claim.
The 63-year-old’s deal with the BBC is due to expire next year and, at the current moment in time, no renewal has been signed or agreed.
Lineker is currently locked in talks with the Beeb over a possible extension.
Yet it has also emerged that BBC director of football Alex Kay-Jelski is keen to attract a younger audience and has been left unhappy with some of the presenter’s comments on his Rest is Football podcast.
Given Lineker’s age, and the fact that his MOTD future is shrouded in uncertainty, there has been speculation that he could retire.
According to the Daily Mail, however, the former England, Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester star is keen to keep on presenting.
It’s claimed his appetite to cover the biggest and best matches remains strong, despite all his years of experience.
A source is quoted as saying: “Lineker knows England winning a major tournament for the first time since 1966 would be a seminal moment – and he wants to be front and centre of what could be a huge moment in sporting and television history.
“Lineker loves the BBC and Match of the Day, an institution among football fans, so it would be a real wrench to leave.”
Lineker has also worked for TNT Sports in the past.
Reports earlier in the year suggested ITV had touched base with the retired striker to see if he’d be interested in crossing the divide.
For now, however, it seems as though Lineker would prefer to stay with the BBC and extend his relationship with the broadcaster.
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Lineker spoke to Alan Shearer and Micah Richards earlier this week.
He insisted he’s never been ‘bothered’ by people giving him stick and that he doesn’t like hiding away, despite his big profile.
“Working with the BBC is wonderful, and it is a privilege, and it has been for an awfully long time. And I love the show,” he said.
“You get a bit of stick sometimes for the show or if fans disagree with you.. or perhaps they don’t agree with your political views.
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“But it has never really bothered me. I do what I do. I say things that I believe in.
“If people disagree that’s absolutely fine. But sometimes they might get a bit venomous. But it is such a tiny minority of people.
“I go out every day, I go on public transport. I always get the train and the Underground in London. I never get stick from people.”
Lineker added: “I think I have always been [quite relaxed].
“I’m not an aggressive person. I ‘ve not got a temper. I don’t have that kind of red mist thing.
“I have a character and personality that I never get carried away when things are going well and too down when they’re not.
“I don’t think you can teach that. You are made that way or not. It is a side of my personality that helps when you’re a footballer as well because you’re under pressure all the time.”
