Gary Lineker admits 'I don't miss it at all' as he speaks out on new project after BBC exit

Gary Lineker has issued a scathing statement about his previous BBC role, just over a year after the 65-year-old fronted his very last Match of the Day episode.

Mr Lineker left his long-term role early after issuing an apology for controversy surrounding an antisemitism row after he reshared a social media post.

The veteran broadcaster had been expected to remain with the corporation for FA Cup coverage and the summer tournament, but his tenure concluded earlier than anticipated at the close of the 2024/25 season.

Speaking in this week's Radio Times, the former sports pundit admitted he doesn't "miss it at all" when asked about his role on the BBC football show, which he held from 1999 to 2025.

"It was like a wonderful marriage that kind of petered out a bit at the end," he told the publication.

The former footballer continued: "I love the BBC, I always will. I have a huge amount of respect for it.

"It turns out some incredible television and I think we did in sport.

"But I'm enjoying life without having to tread on eggshells and everything's going really well. So no, I don't miss it at all."

Mr Lineker reflected on what he had started to struggle with towards the end of his career.

"Freedom of speech. It had become quite difficult," he added.

"They moved the goalposts, changed the guidelines and it became tricky because I've always cared about humanitarian issues, I don’t think they’re ever really political ones. Suddenly, they didn't want you doing this or that."

Mr Lineker has secured a lucrative deal with Netflix following his departure from the BBC, with the streaming giant paying £14million for his podcast The Rest Is Football.

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The show, which Mr Lineker presents with former Match of the Day colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will provide daily coverage throughout this summer's World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The trio previously demonstrated their presenting chemistry during Euro 2024 coverage from Berlin.

Netflix's worldwide platform will deliver a significantly expanded audience compared to their earlier work together.

The former England striker has vowed to maintain his outspoken approach when analysing Thomas Tuchel's squad during the tournament.

Mr Lineker sparked controversy at Euro 2024 with his blunt assessment of the national team's performance against Denmark."There was a bit of furore during the Euros when I said 'England played s***.'

"And they did," he stated. "I only said it because I cared because it was excruciating and England got lucky with their goal."

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