Alan Shearer confirms Match of the Day future after seeing Gary Lineker leave BBC show

Alan Shearer confirmed that he will not be departing from , despite his "amazing friend" .

Lineker , having held the presenter's role for 26 years. The longtime presenter's exit – which had been in the pipeline since November – occurred amidst an anti-Semitism scandal, leading the 64-year-old to 14 months ahead of schedule.

The former star was lined up to lead the BBC's coverage of the in the 2025/26 season before concluding his tenure with the broadcaster at next summer's , prior to the early departure news.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

and were the pundits alongside for his poignant farewell. The trio, who host a podcast together, analysed the final day of this season's before received a heartfelt send-off.

However, Shearer isn't going anywhere. Confirming his decision to stay on, the Newcastle legend told : "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."

Shearer added: "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 BBC's poignant seven-minute montage paid tribute to the TV legend, featuring the emotive words of greats like Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk and Paul Gascoigne.

Shearer also sent his thanks to his close friend, as he said: "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."

Upon wrapping up his final appearance on Sunday evening, Lineker said: "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 added: "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.

"I'd like to wish Gabby (Logan), Mark (Chapman), and Kelly (Cates) all the best when they sit in the chair. The programme is in the best of hands.

"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."