Gary Lineker gave clever eight-word response over his 'final' MOTD show on BBC

recently addressed speculation over his 'final' show with a cheeky on-air comment. The 63-year-old has presented the iconic highlights programme for over two decades but will call it quits at the end of the season.

The have confirmed that Lineker will step down from his presenting role when the Premier League campaign draws to a close. He will remain with the national broadcaster until after the World Cup in 2026, at which point he will leave the company altogether.

Speculation had been rife for many months before it was announced that Lineker would be standing aside. Earlier this year, rumours on social media prompted Lineker to respond with an eight-word joke at the start of the programme.

Introducing the show after the opening titles, he told viewers: "Hello, seven games on the way. It's my final show... before the international break." Lineker then flashed a smile at pundits Micah Richards and Danny Murphy, who responded with laughter.

The former England striker has presented Match of the Day since 1999, when he replaced legendary broadcaster Des Lynam. He is the longest-serving TV host employed by the BBC but there will be a new face in the chair from next season onwards.

It remains to be seen who will replace Lineker, with his eventual successor yet to be decided by the BBC. Mark Chapman, who presents Match of the Day 2, appears to be the favourite .

Chapman has worked for the BBC since 1996, initially starting out on the radio before moving onto the small screen. He is regularly involved with their FA Cup coverage and has also presented the Carabao Cup on Sky Sports for the last two seasons.

He was recently put forward as the obvious choice to replace Lineker by former BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson, who told : "I know there is a lot of speculation over Gary at the moment. Would it surprise me if he left at the end of the season? Possibly no.

"He has earned the right to make his own decision, there is no doubt there whatsoever, and in Chappers there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary."