Gary Lineker breaks silence on his Match of the Day future live on BBC amid 'exit' rumours

Gary Lineker addressed his Match of the Day future live during Saturday night’s episode amid rumours over a potential exit.

Heading into the latest Premier League weekend, a report claimed Lineker’s departure from the popular highlights show Match of the Day could be announced soon.

It was suggested Lineker's exit from the BBC could come even sooner than expected as a 'leaked' email has suggested that the corporation are preparing a statement announcing his departure.

However, it now appears a final decision on his future is some way off.

A statement from a BBC spokesperson said: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."

On Saturday night, Lineker opened the show by saying: “Seven games on the way and it's my final show.... Before the international break.”

Earlier in the year, Lineker spoke about his future on BBC Breakfast, he said: “It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I've still got another year left, at least. So we'll have to wait and see what happens.

“Obviously it's another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that. All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”

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Lineker spoke about the Premier League title race between Manchester City and Arsenal during the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.

He said: “It will be one of them, I suspect, or it could even be Liverpool, you never know.

“They’re going well as well, but I think Arsenal are becoming more and more established as a side under Arteta. I think you can see a gradual improvement.

Lineker added: “They’re bringing in players occasionally in the right situations and the right positions. And I think their time will come.

“City can’t just keep winning title after title after title. And that certainly will be the case when Pep leaves. It will be an incredibly difficult act to follow.”