Beloved host Garry was tearful as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience on Sunday night

GARY Lineker ended his Match of the Day career last night — as details emerged of his parting shot at his BBC boss.
The former England football captain, 64, began his final show with a quip about his telly departure
Gary Lineker was emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience
Gary Lineker arrives to present his final Match of the Day
Credit: MCPIX
Lineker was seen to snub his boss Alex Kay-Jelski and made remarks about him in earshot of staff, it was claimed
Credit: BBC
It came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.
He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him which were described as “blunt”.
Once cameras began rolling on his final MOTD appearance, Gary used his opening line to aim a cheeky dig at the Beeb.
He said: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”
The legendary striker then continued: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”
TV frontman Gary then became emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience after a host of former teammates and colleagues paid tribute in a video package.
He said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…
“Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.
“Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”
He began his role on the highlights show in 1999 alongside Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson and had been due to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year.
But he took the decision to quit the corporation altogether after he was blasted for reposting a video on social media which criticised Zionism with a picture of a rat — used as an insult to Jews by the Nazis.
He has repeatedly apologised.
Co-stars and close pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer were also seen arriving at the MediaCity studios in Salford.
Insiders said there was no love lost between Gary and his boss Alex, who took over the top job at BBC Sport from Barbara Slater last April.
A source said: “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.
“When he was working on the FA Cup final, just two days before he quit, Alex came over to where Gary was and he just walked off without a word.
Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week
Gary tried to hold back tears as he signed off for the last tim
Credit: BBC
Lineker with Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenso
Credit: BBC
Alan Shearer was snapped as he arrived at the studios
Credit: Zenpix
Micah Richards arrives for the show
Credit: Zenpix
News
Reality TV personality Heather Rae El Moussa kept a surprising fact hidden from her spouse after being seen exiting an OB-GYN facility in Los Angeles with an unfamiliar individual.
Heather Rae El Moussa Spotted Leaving OB-GYN Clinic Sparking Speculation In a surprising turn of events, reality TV…
“Stephen A. Smith Stuns Fans—Puts Feud on Hold to Call Out LeBron: ‘Prove You’re Still the King!’
Stephen A. Smith Pauses Feud with LeBron to Drop Bold Advice: “Show You’re Still That Dude” In a recent and…
“Judy Finnigan Breaks Down in Tearful Confession—‘I Never Meant for Our Kids to Suffer Like This!’
Richard Madeley’s Estranged Wife Revealed How They’ve Been Communicating After Announcing Their Separation: “I’m Truly Sorry for Using Our Children”…
NBC’s “Golden Host” Willie Geist Drops a Bombshell with Jaw-Dropping Network Switch—You Won’t Believe Where He’s Heading!
Willie Geist, the golden boy courted by both major networks, has unexpectedly announced his new destination—one that’s far from what…
ChatGPT said: TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager SHOCKED: Network’s Choice Totally Opposes Her Top Pick!
After Months of Private Discussions, TODAY Surprised Viewers by Announcing Its New Permanent Co-Host, Which Wasn’t the Selection Jenna Had…
“SURPRISE: Cat Deeley Eyes This Morning Comeback After Shock Split from Patrick Kielty!”
Cat Deeley’s Desperate Hope Ahead of This Morning Return After Patrick Kielty Split Cat Deeley is gearing up for…
End of content
No more pages to load