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    Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

    ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    John Terry hails ‘man dressed as a shoe’ who overtook him then came back to help during London Marathon struggles

    JOHN TERRY has heaped praise on a London Marathon runner “dressed as a shoe” after they overtook him before returning to help him.The former Chelsea captain was one of a number of ex footballers taking part in the run on Sunday, including ex-Blues stars Steve Sidwell and Jody Morris.John Terry has thanked a runner who was dressed as a shoe after they helped him during the London MarathonCredit: SplashTerry suffered nipple chafing and had cramp during the courseCredit: SplashHowever, the 44-year-old was left in pain after blood was seen coming through his T-shirt after suffering from nipple chafing when he was picked up by TV cameras during the event.But Terry’s afternoon took a strange turn when he was helped by a fellow runner… dressed as a shoe.Taking to Instagram, Terry shared a picture of himself in his running gear alongside Morris and Sidwell and said the marathon was “the TOUGHEST thing” he had ever done “by far”.He captioned the post with his stunning shoe story, saying: “Legs are a little stiff and sore this morning, that is by far the TOUGHEST thing I have EVER done and this morning I have so much respect for everyone who run the marathon yesterday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Also a big shout out to the guy dressed as a shoe, who overtook me when I was struggling, yes dressed as a shoe and overtook me, slowed down and gave me some great words of encouragement and gave me some sweets and gels, he then carried on running, about two minutes later he come running back towards me with a bottle of coke.”Thank you mate 👊🏻💙🏃🏻‍♂️SHHOOEEE…”I see so many great things like this yesterday.”Well Done everyone.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe runner in question turned out to be Karl Fitzpatrick.According to the BBC, he was running to raise money for Jersey Hospice.John Terry clashes with Mark Clattenburg as the 26ers face F.C RTW in the Baller League He has been supporting the hospice since 2022 and has raised nearly £22,000 in that time.On running with Terry, Mr Fitzpatrick told the BBC: “I said to the fella ‘only the greatest marathon runners wear these shoes,’ joking as we both had them on.”I then realised it was John Terry. I slowed down and try to give him the motivational bants and tried to reassure him that he was doing fine.”So it might have looked strange, a shoe running the opposite way to everyone else and handing a full fat coke. I wished him the very best and told him ‘be strong and the pain will go.”As well as his nipple injury, Terry was also forced to slow to a walk at one point due to cramp.He eventually completed the course in just over five hours.However, former manager Jose Mourinho issued a brutal reply to his marathon completion on Instagram.Read More on The SunHe joked: “Sid I believe. You I have doubts you did it.”Sidwell himself replied to the post, saying: “Brilliant mate. Incredible effort.”Steve Sidwell also completed the London MarathonCredit: instagram @stevesidwell14 More

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    ‘You’ll have experienced this’ – Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gag

    GARY LINEKER left Wayne Rooney in hysterics with a joke at Micah Richards’ expense.The trio of ex-England stars and Glenn Murray were covering the first FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace live on the BBC.Gary Lineker’s shared a brutal gag about Micah RichardsCredit: X / BBCMOTDThe comment left Wayne Rooney and Glenn Murray in stitchesCredit: X / BBCMOTDLineker quipped that Richards was likely often left out of important cup gamesCredit: X / BBCMOTDDuring a segment, they began talking about players being left out of important cup games at Wembley.Naturally, Lineker assumed that Rooney had never been left out of any Wembley days during his illustrious career at Manchester United.Rooney said: “Yeah, I was left out of the starting line up here in the league cup final against Aston Villa in 2010.”Well I was rested for a Champions League game. But I was fuming because it was a final and I wanted to play.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRichards hilariously jumped in to add that being left out and being rested are not the same thing.Before Rooney, 39, added that he was also rested in Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton, which United lost on penalties after a goalless draw in 2009.Wazza – who just one FA Cup in 2016 – quickly told Richards: “But I came on against Villa and scored the winner, so it was OK in the end.”But witty Lineker then jumped in and said: “Micah, you would have experienced this quite a bit. Did you ever knock on the manager’s door?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment had Richards, Rooney and Murray in stitches.And former Palace striker Murray added: “I was always knocking on the door, Gary”. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy teamLike Rooney, Richards and Lineker both won the FA Cup once with Manchester City in 2011 and 1991 respectively.The discussion came after two-time FA Cup winner Marcus Rashford was ruled out through injury against Palace.The forward was not named in Unai Emery’s starting XI, with Villa saying he had picked up “a knock”.Rashford sustained a minor muscle injury during the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, was able to continue after the break before being replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes. More

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    Is Mo Farah running the London Marathon 2025?

    THE London Marathon will take place this Sunday as thousands of people are set to take on the 26.2 mile course.The race’s popularity has hit new heights with 840,318 people applying via the public ballot to take part and over 56,000 expected to cross the start line.Mo Farah pictured at the finish line of the London Marathon in 2023Credit: AFPEmile Cairess (second right) was hoping to break Mo Farah’s British marathon recordCredit: PAThis could break the world record for the most runners in a marathon, the previous record being 56,950 in this month’s Paris edition.A stacked elite field will be fighting for the £41,000 London Marathon prize money, including the first man to break the two hour barrier, Eliud Kipchoge, and reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan.Last year’s top UK finisher Emile Cairess has had to pull out due to injury and will miss out on the opportunity to break Mo Farah’s British marathon record of 2:05:11.Is Mo Farah running the London Marathon 2025?Sir Mo Farah, 42, is NOT running the London Marathon this year.READ MORE ON LONDON MARATHONHe ran his last marathon in the 2023 edition of the race, finishing in ninth, and retired later that year after a fourth-placed finish in the Great North Run.His time of 2:10:28 was a few minutes outside of his goal time and the former Olympic champion admitted after the race that his body could not do what it used to.Farah said at the time: “If it wasn’t for the crowd, at some point I would have dropped out”That’s what kept me going. It was amazing support. Part of me wanted to cry. Most read in Athletics”But the people were amazing, even in the rain, to line the streets. It’s what has kept me going for so long throughout my career.”I will miss that feeling. I am emotional today. London has been so great to me over the years and I wanted to be here to say thank you to the crowd.”Farah’s best London Marathon finish was third in 2018 with a time of 2:06:21.Since retiring Farah has remained a big influence in the athletics world, last month launching team based-running league RunGP.Races will be held on Formula One tracks and include a mixture of celebrities and professional athletes.The first edition will be in Qatar in May and will include a kids race called One Mo Mile.When is the London Marathon taking place and how can I watch it?The London Marathon 2025 is taking place this Sunday from 8.50am BST.8.50am – Elite wheelchair men’s and women’s race9.05am – Elite women’s race9.35am – Elite men’s race followed by mass startThe London Marathon will be shown live on the BBC throughout the day.Read More on The SunBBC One: 8.30am-2pmBBC Two: 2pm-3pmBBC Online & iPlayer: 8.30am-6pmBBC Radio London: 8am-6pmBBC Two: 6pm-7pm (highlights)Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action from the Marathon as it happens. More

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    How to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa for FREE: Streaming and TV info for huge FA Cup semi-final

    CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa will leave it all on the field TODAY as they face off in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final.Goals from Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah fired the Eagles to a huge win over London rivals Fulham in the previous round.Nketiah scored Palace’s thrid in a rout against FulhamCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford’s double fired Villa into the semisCredit: RexAnd Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be determined to lead his side to their first FA Cup final since a devastating 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2016.But the Eagles go up against a Villa side who have incredible strength in depth and this was demonstrated in their quarter-final Preston drubbing.Furthermore, with Unai Emery’s men losing grip on the top five Premier League race along with getting knocked out of the Champions League, the FA Cup is Villa’s final chance for success.Its perfectly poised to be a sensational game of football this afternoon and fans can watch it for FREE!Read more on FA CupHow to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final for FREECrystal Palace vs Aston Villa is available to watch for FREE on BBC One in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Fans can also stream the entire action for FREE on BBC iPlayer through a compatible mobile device or tablet.The huge FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 5:15pm BST.And whoever goes on to win this match, will face the winner of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the final.Most read in FA CupWhat is the prize money for the FA Cup 2024/25?This year’s FA Cup winners will receive a whopping £2million in prize money.While the runners-up take home £1million. More

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    Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

    CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More

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    ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing

    GARY LINEKER has opened up on his emotional response to Ian Wright’s Match of the Day boycott following his BBC suspension.Lineker, 64, was taken off air in March 2023 after the Beeb claimed that he had “breached their guidelines” regarding social media.Gary Lineker has opened up on his 2023 Match of the Day suspensionCredit: BBCLineker, 64, has struck up a close bond with his MOTD colleaguesThe veteran presenter had posted on X, comparing the Government’s plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.This sparked a “free speech row” as Lineker’s BBC colleagues Wright, Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards all refused to step in.Commentators subsequently also went on strike, leading to the programme going out with no punditry or analysis.Reflecting on the episode while speaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, Lineker said: “I was just having late lunch and Ian Wright went public saying… (that he would boycott)”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if Wright called him in advance, Lineker continued: “No, but we have a group chat.”And the day before, I said this might result with them taking me off air.”And he went: ‘That’s so ridiculous’. And he said: ‘If they do, I’m not doing the show’.”It’s one thing saying that, it’s a very much different thing actually doing it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I was in the back of a cab on the way home when that happened and I was crying, because that doesn’t happen, that show of support, it’s incredible.”Lineker was later reinstated by the BBC, with Director General Tim Davie apologising for the “difficult period” for staff, presenters and audiences.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingLast November, The Sun revealed that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season.The former striker will be replaced by a rotating cast of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Lineker will continue to present live coverage of FA Cup matches for the BBC during the 2025-26 season, before leaving the public broadcaster following the 2026 World Cup.Reflecting on the decision during his conversation with Rajan, Lineker admitted: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.’A CHANCE TO CHANGE THE PROGRAMME'”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Lineker has ruled out becoming a regular on another TV channel.Read More on The SunThe former England captain told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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    Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about staying

    GARY Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match Of The Day to “change the programme”.Lineker, 64, stepped down from MOTD in May last year and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup final and World Cup.Gary Lineker has said he felt the BBC wanted him to leave Match of the DayThe pundit stepped back from the show in May last yearCredit: BBCSpeaking to the BBC’s Amol Rajan, the pundit was asked why he would choose to leave.”Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that,” Lineker said.”I always wanted one more contract, and I was umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to do three years [more].”In the end, I think there was a feeling that, because it was a new rights period, it was a chance to change the programme.Read More on Lineker”I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”But Lineker said the new set up “suits me perfectly”.There were questions previously regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense speculation involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insisted he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Most read in FootballLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.The ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Lineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”David Beckham set sights on becoming next Gary Lineker as he lands TV chat show & lines up host of A-list pals as guestsBy Andy RobinsonFOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.Viewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”He previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.An insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America.“He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”It was announced in January he will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker previously told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that.”I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.”Lineker also opened up about his BBC suspension in March 2023 after he posted comments on X.He took to social media to hit out at the then Illegal Migration Bill, which banned migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.Lineker’s former co-hosts on Match of The Day, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have also stepped back from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.He told Rajan: “I don’t regret saying them publicly, because I was right – what I said, it was accurate – so not at all in that sense.”But, Lineker said he would not do it again “in hindsight” – despite dubbing the fallout “nonsense” and “a ridiculous overreaction”.He said: “I wouldn’t do it again because of all the kerfuffle that followed, and I love the BBC, and I didn’t like the damage that it did to the BBC… But do I regret it and do I think it was the wrong thing to do? No.”Read More on The SunThe BBC updated its social media guidance in 2023 after a review sparked by Lineker’s tweet controversy.A spokesperson said at the time that presenters of flagship programmes, such as Match Of The Day, “carry a particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality, because of their profile on the BBC”.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Gary Lineker has outlined plans for after Match of the DayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballThe former footie legend is set to focus on his podcastsCredit: PA More