Gary Lineker has announced that he will leave his role as main presenter of BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League coverage following the 2021 final.
The former England captain and host of BBC’s Match of the Day has led BT Sport’s coverage since the pay-TV broadcaster acquired the rights to show Europe’s elite club competition in 2015.
Lineker said he was offered a new deal to stay with BT Sport but has decided to step down after six years in the role, in order to spend more time following his beloved Leicester City in European competition, as a fan, from next season.
His last Champions League match as BT Sport’s main anchor will be the all-English 2021 final between Manchester City and Chelsea at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao.
Lineker will continue to front the BBC’s football coverage, including this summer’s European Championships, after signing a new five-year contract that will see him carry on working for the corporation until at least 2025.
In a statement posted on social media, Lineker said:
“Porto’s mouth-watering all-English final this weekend will be my final Champions League show for BT Sport.
“I’ve loved hosting the best club tournament in world football and I’m genuinely proud of being part of their truly groundbreaking coverage over the past 6 years.
“I would like to thank BT Sport for the generous renewal offer, but after much thought, I have decided to call it a day. I feel it’s time to do things that I’ve always promised myself I’d do: such as follow Leicester across Europe with my sons (how many opportunities will we have?).
“A big thank you to everyone at BT Sport, both in front of the camera and behind. You’re one hell of a team. It’s been a joy working with you. Well played.”
A tweet from BT Sport’s account said:
“Thanks so much for everything, Gary! A legend of the game, and a legend of broadcasting. We’ll miss you, enjoy your away days!”
Rio Ferdinand, a regular pundit on BT Sport’s Champions League coverage, posted via his Twitter account:
“Been an honour to share the stage with you! One more Last Dance (Until this summer)”
BT Sport will live stream its exclusive coverage of the 2021 UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea for free via its online platforms on Saturday, 29 May.
The broadcaster is yet to announce its replacement for Lineker, but Jake Humphrey, who has led BT’s Premier League coverage since 2013, is likely to be the favourite. Other regular BT Sport Champions League presenters include Lynsey Hipgrave, Darrell Currie and Matt Smith.
For a full list of all forthcoming major football matches on the box, visit SOTB’s dedicated football TV listings page.
