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      I’m an ex-Arsenal star-turned-TV pundit.. my wife takes the p*** out of my tattoo but there’s a secret meaning

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed that he got tattoos in homage to his friendships with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.The Arsenal legend announced yesterday that he’ll be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright’s tattoos are visible on his left handCredit: Getty
      The 60-year-old has his pals’ squad numbers tattooed on his hand alongside his ownCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wrightyofficial/
      Wright, 60, has been a regular since 2015, having had his first stint as a regular on the show between 2002 and 2008.
      After returning to the iconic BBC show he became part of its top team alongside Lineker and Shearer.
      The trio have become incredibly close friends during their time together on Match of the Day.
      During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, their bonds increased even further.
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      Wright feels such a connection to his two pals, that he even got their squad numbers from their playing careers tattooed on his hand next to his.
      Speaking on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House he explained what made him get his tattoo, and even admitted that wife Nancy Hallam has mocked him for it.
      He said: “I got my eight, nine, ten, everyone laughs at me, my missus and Roscoe laughs at my tattoo, eight, nine, ten because it’s my number, Shearer’s number and Lineker’s number.
      “And I thought I’d get that on, especially after we’d done the Covid [shows], we bonded really tightly in and around that time, we spoke to each other a lot, really got quite tight.
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      “I’m going to miss them, I’m going to miss the guys.”
      Announcing his decision to quit the show yesterday, Wright wrote on social media: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
      “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      An emotional Lineker, 63, tweeted in response: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. ❤️”
      While fellow pal Shearer, 53, added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!! ❤️”
      Wright, 60, is close friends with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT More

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      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?

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      IAN Wright has announced that he will be stepping down from his job as a Match of the Day Pundit at the end of the season.Wright, who first appeared on the show back in 1997, broke the news of his exit on social media, explaining that the decision had ”been coming for a while”.
      Ian Wright pictured in April 2023
      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?
      In December 2023, Ian Wright announced that he will be leaving his Match of the Day role.
      A statement shared on social media by the Arsenal legend read: ”After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
      ”I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      ”Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      Read More on Ian Wright
      ”On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      Wright added: ”I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      ”This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
      ”I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      Most read in Football
      Following the announcement, head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: ”Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      ”His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      ”We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      How long did Ian Wright work on Match of the Day for?
      As mentioned above, Ian Wright first appeared on the hit sports show back in 1997 – while he was still playing.
      However, it wasn’t until years later that the former footballer became a regular pundit.
      Wright hung up his boots and retired from playing in 2000, before becoming a familiar fixture on Match of the Day in 2002.
      His first stint lasted until 2008, before Wright once again returned for a second spell on the highlights show in 2015.
      Who else presents Match of the Day?
      Dubbed ”the world’s most famous football show”, Match of the Day brings viewers big names and big games from the Premier League.
      Prior to announcing his exit, Ian Wright became a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer.
      Reacting to the news, an emotional Lineker said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      Read more on The Sun
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Following his statement, SunSport has taken a look at five pundits who could fill Wrighty’s boots on MOTD. More

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      Match of the Day praised for ‘perfect’ coverage after Luton captain Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on pitch at Bournemouth

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      THE BBC have been praised for Match of the Day’s coverage of Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on Saturday.Luton’s match against Bournemouth was abandoned in the 65th minute as their skipper Lockyer received treatment on the pitch.
      Tom Lockyer was treated on the pitch at BournemouthCredit: Getty
      Match of the Day have been praised for their handling of the incident
      The Hatters later confirmed that the 29-year-old was responsive as medics stretchered him off.
      He was then taken to hospital, where he remained in a stable condition.
      The match had been level at 1-1 when the incident occurred.
      Addressing what happened, Match of the Day opened the programme by quickly showing both goals from the match, while experienced host Gary Lineker explained what had happened.
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      Lineker called it a “traumatic day in the Premier League”, before sending best wishes to Lockyer.
      He added: “It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town.”
      Many viewers were pleases with the tone that the programme struck in their sensitive handling of such a distressing event.
      One wrote on social media: “Watching Match of the Day, handled the Lockyer situation very well.”
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      While a second opined: “Beautifully done Match of the Day. Handled the Tom Lockyer situation with the utmost respect and decency. Quality broadcasting and decision-making like that at key moments is, and always should be, the BBC’s role. A careful balance of news and privacy in such a situation.”
      A third commented: “Great job by @BBCSport and Match Of The Day, the way they covered the Tom Lockyer situation at the start of the show.”
      And a fourth posted: “Hugely powerful start to Match Of The Day around the Tom Lockyer story. Really well handled – so sensitive.”
      Another added: “Match Of The Day have handled the Tom Lockyer situation perfectly there. Shown what they needed to, relayed what they needed to. Doesn’t need anything more obtrusive than that.”
      Luton boss Rob Edwards was also hailed for his quick thinking at the time of the incident.
      While the football world came together to wish Lockyer well.
      Lineker himself tweeted: “Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens.”
      While John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer.”
      David de Gea posted: “Tom Lockyer 🙏🏼”.
      And Ashley Young added: “Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family 🙏🏾”.
      Luton wrote in a statement: “We are able to provide a further, positive update on Tom Lockyer’s condition.
      “Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.
      “He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.
      “Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.
      “We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”
      Brentford and Luton are likely to replay the match in full at a later date.
      Read more on The Sun
      Premier League Rule L15 states that any match abandoned with the consent of the referee will be replayed, with the Board to confirm a date and kick-off time.
      And according to the Mail, the top flight is expected to stick to this protocol.
      Rob Edwards was hailed for his quick thinkingCredit: Rex More

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      Ian Wright reveals the moment he decided to leave Match of the Day in emotional statement

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed the moment that “fast-tracked” his decision to step down from Match of the Day.The Arsenal legend, 60, announced this morning that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright has announced that he is stepping down from Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      Wright is part of the BBC’s top team with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: BBC
      He first appeared on Match of the Day in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Highbury in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      After announcing his decision on social media Wright, who turned 60 last month, wrote: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      He then went on to add: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      In recent years he has become part of Match of the Day’s top team alongside Alan Shearer, with host Gary Lineker.
      Last season he made history by appearing on the show with Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the duo becoming the first father-son combination in the show’s entire run.
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      Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Piers Morgan wrote: “Congrats on a magnificent run, Legend.. and on quitting at the very top of your punditry game. We’ll miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside son Shaun Wright-PhillipsCredit: BBC
      Wright was also on MOTD between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC More

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      Five pundits who could replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day including Premier League legend and his own son

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      IAN WRIGHT is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.The former Arsenal and England striker first appeared on the Premier League highlights show in 1997 while he was still a player.
      Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBC
      And he has been a regular in recent years alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker.
      Wrighty, 60, confirmed his shock departure on social media and then shared a brilliant throwback clip from his debut.
      He said: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      But with Wright quitting after the 2023-24 campaign which ends in May, who could join the team of pundits in the studio next year?
      DIDIER DROGBA
      Talk about replacing one big-name striker for another… Didier Drogba would be a major coup for the BBC.
      Two-time Golden Boot winner Drogba, 45, scored 104 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for Chelsea, winning four titles.
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      He worked for the BBC as a pundit at the Qatar World Cup 2022 so knows what it takes and already has a working relationship with the team.
      Didier Drogba could be a big-name replacement for WrightCredit: BBC
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      RIO FERDINAND
      Like Drogba, Rio Ferdinand worked for the Beeb for the World Cup last year and is one of the top pundits around these days.
      He is TNT Sports’ main man for their Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and Champions League coverage so a deal would need to be struck – but Micah Richards has proven it is possible to be a pundit for multiple broadcasters.
      Ferdinand, 45, carries a wealth of expertise and insight both from a player and pundit perspective after six Premier League winner’s medals, a Champions League and 81 England caps.
      Rio Ferdinand has worked for the BBC for major international tournaments including the World CupCredit: BBC
      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
      They could keep it in the family by bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips to take over from his dad Ian.
      The pair created history as the first father-and-son duo on the show back in May – the former Chelsea and Manchester City winger’s debut.
      Shaun, 42, was not afraid to give his old man a bit of banter and could be a suitable option after announcing his retirement in 2019.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips made his Match of the Day debut alongside his dadCredit: BBC
      FARA WILLIAMS
      Fara Williams has made a seamless transition from the stadium to the studio since hanging up her boots in 2021.
      The 172-cap England international boasts tremendous knowledge – representing her country more times than any other footballer in history, male or female.
      Williams, 39, demonstrated her ability to analyse the game during the Women’s World Cup and is part of the BBC’s WSL team with Alex Scott.
      Fara Williams, middle, is part of the BBC’s WSL coverage with Alex Scott and Ellen WhiteCredit: Getty
      JERMAIN DEFOE
      Jermain Defoe sure knows what is takes to perform in the Premier League after 162 goals in 496 games for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth before retiring in 2022 with 57 Three Lions caps to his name.
      Read more on The Sun
      He has stayed in football and is back working with Spurs as an academy coach with the Under-18s on top of punditry with Channel 4 for recent England matches as well as Premier League Productions.
      Defoe, 41, has done plenty of media work already with the BBC – including his own fly-on-the-wall Outside The Box documentary and the Football Firsts podcast with SunSport columnist Troy Deeney.
      Jermain Defoe is building experience in the media with various rolesCredit: Getty More

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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      Read more on The Sun
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More

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      BBC bosses ‘are talking to Gary Lineker’ after Match of the Day host slammed Rwanda plan in ANOTHER Twitter storm

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      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host was slammed for blasting the Government’s Rwanda plan.The TV host, 63, found himself at the centre of yet another Twitter storm after urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker about his recent tweetsCredit: PA
      The TV pundit called out the government and Grant Shapps for the Rwanda schemeCredit: PA
      In a letter which is campaigning for change, Together With Refugees branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and said asylum policies are not working.
      And Lineker landed himself in hot water after co-signing a letter with other celebs, calling for the scheme to be thrown out.
      Now, BBC bosses are “talking to Lineker” about his posts, the Times reports.
      The former England star turned pundit said about the letter: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
      read more on gary lineker
      “That’s why I’m backing this new campaign, because fair really can begin here.”
      The Beeb are now said to be discussing whether their updated social media guidelines, which came into play in September, are tight enough after Lineker is accused of ridiculing cabinet minister Grant Shapps and Conservative backbenchers.
      Talks between bosses and Lineker about his tweets are reportedly set to take place.
      A BBC spokesman said: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
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      “While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
      “We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
      Lineker previously sparked an impartiality row in March after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Grant Shapps said on Monday morning that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      When asked if the Match of the Day host should continue expressing political views, Defence Secretary Mr Shapps told Times Radio: “He’s been through all of this before.
      “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues.
      “The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country?
      “That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”
      He added: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC.
      “As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point.
      “I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”
      Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right – we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people. What the people want is to stop the boats and to tell overpaid crisp salesmen to put a sock in it.
      “Alongside cracking down on illegal migration, we need another robust system which keeps Lineker as far away from the public as possible, to give us all a rest from his Left-wing, out-of-touch nonsense.”
      The Beeb row comes as the Prime Minister is trying to convince his own backbenchers to support his Rwanda Bill, with both the right of the party and the One Nation faction set to announce whether they support it later on today.
      Read more on The Sun
      The Bill seeks to declare Rwanda a safe country and also empowers ministers to ignore parts of the Human Rights Act.
      Mr Shapps told Sky News Home Office modelling suggests that of the current cases which are challenged successfully, “99.5% of them would not be challenged once this is in place”. More

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      Future of Match of the Day decided with Gary Lineker ‘set for mega new pay deal’ despite rival eyeing up BBC hot seat

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      FAN favourite show Match of the Day will continue to show Premier League highlights after striking a new TV deal.The English top flight has struck a new four-year agreement until 2029 with BBC Sport, giving MOTD highlight rights for all 380 matches each season.
      Match of the Day has been handed a new deal to broadcast Premier League highlightsCredit: BBC
      Host Gary Lineker looks set to also pen a new mega dealCredit: BBC
      It means the popular show’s future is no longer in doubt, with its previous agreement expiring in 2025.
      And Gary Lineker, whose deal to host the show also runs out that year, looks set to agree a whopping new contract with BBC bosses too.
      Just months after being suspended over a tweet criticising the government’s language around their asylum policy, Lineker is reportedly set to pen a new £1.35million-a-year extension.
      The contract will see him continue as the BBC’s top-paid presenter, despite taking a pay cut from £1.75m in 2020.
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      And it is also set to dash Jermaine Jenas’ hopes of taking over from Lineker as the main man in the chair.
      As for live TV match packages, TNT Sports and Sky Sports are the big winners.
      Amazon Prime will no longer broadcast matches from the 2025/26 season after missing out on all five available deals.
      TNT Sports won package A, which covers 52 live games during the season.
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      The channel, formerly BT Sport, retains its 12.30pm Saturday matches and also gets full coverage of two midweek match rounds.
      As for Sky Sports, they have been handed the remaining B, C, D and E packages to cover 215 games each term.
      140 of those matches will be played on weekends, with the others falling on Fridays and Mondays — plus an extra three midweek match rounds.
      And Sky Sports has, for the first time, been handed all 10 final day matches to broadcast simultaneously.
      In total, the agreements will deliver a total of £6.7BILLION in revenue.
      Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to announce new deals with Sky Sports and TNT Sports that will extend our partnership for a further four years and see more Premier League matches than ever before shown live from 2025/26 onwards.
      “As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming. 
      “We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League. 
      “We are also extremely pleased to extend our partnership with BBC Sport, which will continue to bring weekly highlights of all Premier League matches to the widest possible audience in the UK. 
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      “Match of the Day has been an institution for generations of football fans in this country and remains incredibly popular with fans of all ages.
      “The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League and is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world’s most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week.” More