Gary Lineker reveals how long he's got left on Match of the Day and it's much sooner than expected

Gary Lineker appears to have revealed how much longer he'll be hosting Match of the Day for.

The England legend has been the face of BBC's flagship programme since 1999, becoming a household name in the process.

His contract with the BBC reflects that. Lineker signed a lucrative five-year deal with the broadcaster in 2020, although an extension hinges on things out of his control.

During a recent interview with GQ, Lineker explained: “I've got two years left [contractually].

"Beyond that, it depends on the rights because the BBC have got to keep winning the rights to show the highlights."

The Premier League is currently looking to sell more rights packages than ever. Channels and streaming services are interested in paying big money to secure the rights to air Premier League games and highlights.

Lineker believes it's vital BBC keep the rights to make Premier League football accessible to everyone in the United Kingdom.

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He continued: "The Premier League have been very clever, making sure that there is a show on terrestrial television to maintain interest in the sport.

"As still over half the public don't have Sky or TNT. So hopefully that will continue."

Sky and TNT televise most Premier League games, although Amazon holds the rights to several games over the festive period.

Lineker is still fascinated by football and believes it's improved since his playing days.

The 62-year-old added: “I don’t [get bored of football]. It’s the one ever-present in my life.

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"I had kids at a certain age; I was married for a lot of time; my parents are no longer here.

"Football is the one thing that’s been there the whole way through.

"And I’m not one of these old players who thinks it’s not as good as it was. It’s massively improved."

Away from the BBC, Lineker also hosts the 'Rest Is Football' podcast alongside close friends Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.