GARY LINEKER had a cheeky slip of the tongue as he discussed his BBC exit.
The veteran presenter, 64, departed the Beeb after 26 years as Match of the Day host back in May.
Despite no longer sitting in the MOTD chair, Lineker still presents his own The Rest is Football podcast alongside BBC stalwarts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The venture has been wildly successful, with the team winning Podcast of the Year at the recent Broadcast Sports Awards.
On the latest episode, Lineker expressed his delight at being able to call his show an “award-winning podcast”.
And the experienced host then cheekily pointed out: “Since I quit the BBC… or since I finished with the BBC is probably a better way of describing it, I’ve won more awards than in my life!
“I should have left 10 years ago!”
Shearer, 55, cackled at Lineker’s comment, before adding: “They should have kicked you off 10 years ago, you would have won so many awards!”
Lineker went on: “Exactly, it’s nuts!”
In November 2024, SunSport revealed that the 24-25 season would be Lineker’s last presenting Match of the Day.
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Initially, however, it was planned that Lineker would stay with the Beeb for one more year – hosting live FA Cup coverage before signing off at the 2026 World Cup.
That plan was scrapped, however, amid a row over his use of social media.
Despite his BBC exit, Lineker may still cover next year’s World Cup for another broadcaster.
Last week it was reported that Netflix had agreed a deal to host The Rest is Football next summer.
The podcast originally featured on BBC Sounds, but was pulled following Lineker’s departure.
It has since been streamed on YouTube and all major podcast providers – without an official home.
Lineker was the BBC’s highest-paid star on £1.35million per year.
This season he has been replaced on Match of the Day by Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on a rotating basis.
