Gary Lineker breaks his silence on shock ITV appearance and 'why he really did it'

Gary Lineker aimed a brutal dig at close pal Micah Richards after explaining why he made a shock appearance on ITV's coverage of the World Cup.

The 65-year-old famously presented the BBC's football coverage for 26 years before his departure in May 2025. He's kept television appearances to a minimum over the last year, instead focusing on his podcast, The Rest Is Football.

All that changed over the weekend. Lineker popped up in a 20-minute segment before Saturday evening's Group E clash between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

"Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel," Lineker opened the broadcast with, before Laura Woods took control once again.

She said, with a smile: "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gary, that's my job!"

Lineker made sure to get a few digs in at his former employer. He complemented ITV's World Cup set, a studio with the Manhattan skyline in the background. It's a stark contrast to the BBC, which has received criticism for basing its coverage in the UK. Presenters and broadcasters are covering the tournament from Media City in Salford, rather than on location.

"I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we’re in Times Square, but I did desperately want to come and see your set," Lineker declared. "I think it’s absolutely amazing, and I can confirm that it is real. What a backdrop."

The burning question on everyone's lips: Why on earth was Lineker on for Germany vs Ivory Coast and not an England game? ITV showed the Three Lions' 4-2 win over Croatia in their Group L opener and will show their final group game against Panama on June 27.

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Lineker explains why he showed up on ITV

Well, the man himself explained all on the latest episode of The Rest is Football. That is, after taking a few playful shots from Richards, who is also a pundit for the BBC.

"I was making an appearance to promote my show ‘The Box’, which is also on ITV in September," Lineker admitted.

"And also I wanted to go and have a little look at the studio. I also wanted to go and promote our Netflix show, for which I got two mentions.

"It was just for purely professional reasons, Micah."

Lineker spoke glowingly of 'The Box', a much-anticipated reality game show, calling it 'thrilling' and 'unpredictable to watch' in a press release.

Richards wasn't having it one bit. "Professional reasons? Come on, Gaz, you’re better than that!"

Lineker could've let it slide, but he decided to go full savage mode. As quick as a flash, he responded: "Says the person who works for pretty much every TV channel known to man."

Richards then literally raised his hands and said: "You got me!"

The Premier League winner is one of the most popular pundits in world football, regularly appearing on BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Goalazo in the United States.