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Gary Lineker is departing from the BBC after 26 years of hosting Match of the Day.
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The 64-year-old host emceed the program in his characteristic effortlessly elegant manner.
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Many wondered what tone
Gary Lineker
Would he make an impact in what would be his final appearance on Match of the Day, considering how things ended for him? Would he maintain his characteristic wit? Or perhaps hold back? Maybe even express regret?
Millions of pairs of eyes and ears across the UK were eagerly awaiting when the clock hit 10:30 PM, with Lineker’s visage filling the screens everywhere.
BBC
Firstly, just as it has for the past 26 years.
“It wasn’t supposed to conclude like this,” said Lineker. He has a penchant for beginnings that suggest alternative scenarios, and today was no exception.
These weren’t seven words about the way he left the BBC; they were more focused on how insignificant the stakes were during the last day of the event.
Premier League
Season. Even though we aren’t foolish, that wasn’t his actual implication.
‘Now that the championship has been decided and the relegated teams have been determined,’
Champions League
‘Everything else was exhausted, so this is what remained,’ he went on.
The camera subsequently shifted to focus on his fellow actors.
Alan Shearer
and
Micah Richards
With the former obviously chuckling to suppress an uncontrollable laugh in the studio, while the latter had a wide grin spreading across their face.
It was clearly aimed at addressing the antisemitism controversy that has dominated recent news and resulted in an unexpected departure sooner than scheduled.
Lineker hasn’t shied away from voicing comments that most would hesitate to make, particularly not on national TV. Even though he appeared remorseful earlier in the week, there were no indications of regret on his face during this appearance.
Most of the subsequent program delivered precisely what one might anticipate. Lineker navigated us through the narrative of the concluding day with his characteristic flair, whilst Shearer and Richards dissected the events that transpired on Sunday.
No matter what opinions you have about him, Lineker stands out as the top choice for presenters because he makes the role seem incredibly straightforward. This perception often leads many viewers to believe they might easily step into his shoes. His presentations flow effortlessly now, making them a pleasure to follow (unlike those from when he first started).
His last stint in the spotlight was much of the same. It seemed as though you were viewing an episode from a program you’ve watched over the span of 25 years, only with updated visuals. This consistency is exactly what it needs; this recipe has kept audiences coming back every single week.
Best wishes go out to Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan as they attempt to mirror his on-screen sophistication. Each one is an exceptional broadcaster who deserves to propel the program into the future; however, it’s unlikely anyone will match Lineker’s standards as a presenting icon in football.
Sure, I’d say this performance was quite ordinary, but actually, it stood out. Several minor variations marked its divergence from the classic series right from the start.
Prior to the iconic theme song filling the room from the television, a collage highlighting Lineker’s finest moments as a soccer player — and they were numerous — graced our screen. Following this, we see a younger but considerably more salt-and-pepper-haired Lineker from the early 2000s who remarks, “An epoch comes to a close,” just before the actual credits begin rolling.
Throughout the program, small tributes are paid, culminating unexpectedly yet beautifully towards the conclusion of Lineker’s last BBC interview. In this touching moment, Arne Slot, adorned with his Premier League medal, demonstrated remarkable grace.
Thank you for being an excellent host of the BBC program that I watched numerous times during my time in Holland and continue to watch,” Slot told Lineker. “I really appreciate what you’ve done. It’s great that I can present you with a Liverpool jersey rather than one from your former team.
Even though Lineker caused reputational harm to the BBC through the pro-Palestinian Instagram post that included a rat emoji he shared, the corporation demonstrated grace by honoring his tenure as the host of Match of the Day.
Given how the relationship deteriorated, the BBC could have simply concluded Lineker’s contract without any farewells. However, that would not have been the appropriate course of action, so they refrained from doing so. Over the past twenty years, Lineker has delivered exceptional commentary, which is something the BBC needed to acknowledge.
They went above and beyond to ensure Lineker had an impressive farewell; it was far from lukewarm. The broadcast featured almost a ten-minute compilation of heartfelt messages from celebrities such as Shearer, Danny Murphy, Alan Hansen, Lineker’s kids, and even renowned opera star André Boccelli. Was it excessive? Absolutely. But well-deserving? Undoubtedly so, particularly considering his work as a presenter.
Following more than 25 years at the helm of the BBC’s main event, Lineker’s final message was delivered, and evident emotion filled the studio during his send-off.
‘Time to say goodbye.’
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