GARY LINEKER broke down in tears at the end of his very last Match of the Day after quitting the BBC following an explosive anti-Semitism row.And the ex-footballer also made a cheeky dig at the BBC in his opening address.He began with: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”He paused for a second, before continuing: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”The ex-Leicester and England forward’s departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post that caused him huge backlash.And MOTD’s highest-paid presenter, reportedly at £1.35million a year has revealed that he will not front BBC’s World Cup coverage either.A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – 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.”Start time: 10:30pm BSTLive stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC ONEMicah ‘star struck’ by LinekerMicah Richards won 13 England caps, plus the Prem crown and FA Cup with Manchester City.But he insists he was in awe of Lineker when he first joined MOTD.Richards popped up regularly during the Beeb’s tribute reel to Lineker.And at one stage he admitted: “I was a little bit star struck.”Richards also told the outgoing host: “Thank you very much for all the advice.”Copy linkCopied’The one person I could rely on’Amongst all the tributes to Lineker, one stood out for its simplicity.Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton won a record 125 England caps – including two years alongside the striker.And he told Lineker’s final MOTD show that the 64-year-old had been “the one person I could rely on”.Copy linkCopiedBoceli joins in a ‘Time to Say Goodbye’Iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli joined the tributes – as MOTD faded out to his music.Bocelli is most famous for his song “Time to Say Goodbye”.Credit: BBCCopy linkCopied’Great tribute segment’Viewers generally loved the BBC’s moving montage of Lineker’s contribution – to football and the Beeb itself.Here are a few responses as fans come to terms with his 26 years as MOTD host ending..One fan posted: “Absolute legend, every plaudit is deserved… a heart of gold.” Congratulations Gary, enjoy whatever is next.”A second added: “He plays down what a great player he was too as well as a great presenter, get yourself to Ocean beach and make up with your bro, life’s too short!”And a third wrote: “A great tribute segment. Thanks Gary, Alan and Micah for making Saturday nights special.”A fourth said: “Sad to see Gary Lineker go. Intelligent, witty and warm… #MOTD and the BBC will be a poorer place without him.”Copy linkCopiedHere’s how tearful Lineker said goodbyeGary Lineker’s final farewell to the Beeb was done in typical style – modest but with sharp humour… combined with a tear in his eye.Copy linkCopiedGary wishes next season’s THREE presenters wellLineker is being replaced by three well-respected presenters from next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan were all in the running for the individual job – until the Beeb decided to split it.Lineker’s words of thanks also included an “I wish you well” message as he name-checked all three successors.Copy linkCopiedFamily tribute to LinekerLineker’s family praised him as a father – and as “a brilliant human being”.The Beeb showed clips from when Lineker’s then-young son was able to see him perform his MOTD role in the studio. Copy linkCopiedBeeb blends his two careersMOTD peaked its farewell to Lineker with a rapid rundown on career highlights – from his playing days to the studio.The late Sir Bobby Robson popped up in an old clip from the 1980s when he was bossing England to say: “Once again Lineker will get all the praise!”And Ian Wright reveals the help he got from Lineker – as a player and then as a pundit.Lineker’s formative years with Leicester were also shownCopy linkCopiedEmotional Lineker ends with surprise ‘apology’Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD – and the Beeb – with self-effacing words as he praised the “people you don’t see”.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 finished off with a special message for viewers.Lineker said: “Thank you for all of you… and I’m sorry your team is always last on!”Copy linkCopiedHansen says Lineker transition was ‘seamless’MOTD legend Alan Hansen praised the way Gary Lineker switched from playing to punditry so smoothly,The former Liverpool defender reckons Lineker transferred his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch to the studio.Hansen said: “It was a seamless journey.”Copy linkCopiedFrom Gazza to GaryPaul Gascoigne was also shown – and jokes if Lineker ever needs help he knows where to find it.Copy linkCopiedLegend is now booted outLineker added to his wealth of medals and honours with two more – from Richards and Shearer.After 80 England caps, Lineker finally gets the headwear he really wantedHe’s handed a special Match of the Day cap – and boots!Shearer also has a dig over his goal record compared to the fellow England striker’s.He also picked up a pair of gold…ish bootsCopy linkCopiedLegendary Foxes boss salutes GaryClaudio Ranieri was Leicester manager when Lineker’s favourite team stunned the world with Premier League glory nine years ago.Ranieri pops up here to say: “Well done for the amaxing job you have done. “2016, we will always remember.”Copy linkCopiedPep verdict on LinekerPep Guardiola is one of the talking heads.The Man City boss tells Lineker: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed! “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Here’s one of the touching memories MOTD finished withCopy linkCopied’I don’t know if I can speak..’We’ll show you many of the tributes – and images – but for now here’s how an emotional Lineker began his final words.”I don’t know if I can speak I’ll try… For the final time the league table…”Copy linkCopiedTributes flowing…We’re hearing from legends like Paul Gascoigne and Pep Guardiola – and Lineker’s family…Copy linkCopiedLineker has casting vote on goal of seasonShearer and Richards can’t be split on who bagged the goal of the season.In the end Lineker has the deciding vote – and goes for a sublime finish from Brighton winger Kaoru Mitouma against Chelsea on Valentines Day this year.Copy linkCopiedGary exit compared to demise of Top GearViewers are having their say on Lineker’s fast-looming exit from the BBC.And one came quite close to comparing the ex-England striker to… Jeremy Clarkson!The fan posted: “Genuinely can’t see the next crop of ‘lead presenters’ holding the fort for too long, as good as they are as broadcasters/presenters, it all feels very Top Gear 2016.”Copy linkCopiedLineker says Bowen snub ‘unfortunate’After Jarrod Bowen fired a stunner for West Ham, Lineker gives his verdict on the winger not being picked for the Three Lions next two games.The presenter reckons the “very consistent” performer is “a bit unfortunate to miss out on the England squad”.We’ve moved onto Bournemouth vs Leicester now.Copy linkCopiedThe Art of improvementLineker queries Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s assertion that only a small improvement is needed next term.And Shearer chips in: “It’s not a title-winning attack that Arsenal have got.”The comes highlights from relegated Ipswich’s 3-1 loss at home to West Ham.Copy linkCopiedCountdown begins…Lineker has mainly been in a supporting role tonight – as all good hosts are.Shearer and Richards have done most of the talking.But there’s not much supportive you can say of bottom side Southampton’s dismal season, which includes a record 30 defeats.Yes – MOTD is going through the highlights of the Saints against Prem runners-up Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedWolves vs Brighton nowWe’ve long gone through the crucial games for Champions League qualification.So now the big question is: What have the BBC got in store for Lineker’s send-off?Copy linkCopiedAnge insists Spurs had ‘outstanding’ seasonWe’re watching Europa League winners Spurs slump from 1-0 up to 4-1 down at home to Brighton as they finished fourth bottom.Asked to sum up the season, straight-faced Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou called it “outstanding”.He then explained: “We won a trophy after 17 years and qualified for the Champions League.”Lineker asks the panel if they think Postecolgou will still be boss next season.Shearer says no, but Richards is just as quick to say yes.Copy linkCopiedSlot hails Lineker – but did he forget name of the show?Lineker interviewed Arne Slot – and the Liverpool boss couldn’t resist a fulsome tribute.But Slot seemed to hesitate and stumble when it came to mentioning Match of the Day.Is it possible he suddenly couldn’t remember the name of the show?!The smiling Dutchman made a cheeky reference to Lineker’s spell at Liverpool’s rivals Everton – with an offer of a Reds shirt.Slot began the chat by revealing he is busy with transfer plans, even claiming: “This is the most important part of the season for getting the squad you want.”And he then launched his words of praise for Lineker.HERE’S WHAT HE SAID:And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times.I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!Copy linkCopiedReady for a party?MOTD is off to Anfield now – to look back at how Liverpool celebrated their title success on the day they faced Crystal Palace.The Reds certainly had a party afterwards – but no so much in their comeback 1-1 draw.Copy linkCopied More
