Alan Shearer makes decision on quitting MOTD after Gary Lineker's emotional BBC exit

has reassured fans that he will remain a part of , despite the departure of his close friend Gary Lineker. Lineker hosted his final episode on Sunday, bringing an end to his 26-year tenure as presenter. Lineker's exit from the programme had been planned since November, but was accelerated due to an anti-Semitism scandal, prompting the 64-year-old to terminate his BBC contract 14 months early.

He had been set to front the BBC's FA Cup coverage in the 2025-26 season and conclude his stint with the broadcaster at the World Cup next summer. Shearer and Micah Richards were the pundits alongside Lineker for his emotional farewell, reviewing the final day of the Premier League season before Lineker received a heartfelt send-off.

However, Shearer has confirmed that he will be staying on, telling the : "He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved, and he's a brilliant broadcaster, and he's a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.

"It's different for myself and Micah, because it's not as if we're not ever going to see him again. I mean, we've done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we're still going to be sort of working together."

The compiled a heartwarming seven-minute tribute montage, featuring messages from notable figures such as , , Virgil van Dijk, and Paul Gascoigne. Shearer contributed to the tribute, saying: "Match of the Day is everything to him. He loves it, it means the world to him. Off air he's very calm, very generous. You are an amazing friend.

As the show concluded on Sunday night, Lineker expressed his gratitude to his fellow pundits, stating: "Let me take the opportunity to thank all the other pundits I've had the pleasure of working with over the last 25 years. You've made my job so much easier.

"Also, thanks to all those you don't see at home. The work that goes into making this iconic show is a huge team effort. From the editors to the analysis team, from the commentators to the floor managers, from the producers to the camera operators, from the PAs to the subs."

Lineker then bid a fond farewell to the audience, saying: "Thank you all you're the very best. Everyone else did all the hard work and I got the plaudits. It's been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous."

He offered his best wishes to Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates, who will take over hosting duties, saying: "I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark, and Kelly all the best when they sit in the chair. The programme is in the best of hands."

Finally, Lineker thanked the viewers, saying: "My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It's been so special. I'm sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye."