Gary Lineker's final Match of the Day words in full as presenter exits BBC in tears

BBC career has come to an end with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona striker having presented his final-ever show. Lineker had planned to stay on until the end of the 2026 World Cup, but he announced his decision to step down early following mounting pressure.

His final show featured a tribute that included messages from ex-players and colleagues alike, including Ian Wright, Peter Shilton and Paul Gascoigne. Both Micah Richards and Alan Shearer gave Lineker a gift, with Andrea Bocelli playing the show out with a rendition of his famous 'Time to Say Goodbye'. Lineker struggled to keep himself together throughout the final segment, with the presenter seen wiping a tear away from his face.

When the time came to sign off the show for the final time, an emotional Lineker said: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all of the pundits I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years, you've made my job so much easier. Huge thank you to those you don't see at home, the work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors, to the analysis team, to the commentators, to the floor managers, the producers, to the camera operators, PAs and the subs. Thank you all, you're the best."

Unable to help himself from cracking a joke in typical Lineker fashion, he added: "Rather like my football career, everybody else did the hard work and I got the plaudits."

Beginning to tear up again, Lineker continued, for one last time, saying: "It's been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century, it's been utterly joyous. I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the very best hands.

"My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching, thank you for all of your support over the years. It's been so special and I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye... goodbye," with the dulcet tones of Bocelli playing in the background.

Lineker came under fire after sharing a pro-Palestine social media post, which included an image of a rat. It prompted backlash and accusations of antisemitism, with Lineker announcing his intention to step back from all BBC duties at the end of the current football season.

In a statement confirming his departure from the , : "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic - it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."

Tim Davie, Director-General, said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."