Gary Lineker had to improvise during last ever MOTD after losing script

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast with co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – who also presented his final MOTD show with him – Lineker revealed that he actually had to do a spot of improvisation on his final show.

He explained: "For the first time ever, because of everything that was going on, I completely lost what we call the copy, which is basically the written form of what I read out over the tables.

"It’s written by the subs, it needs to be accurate, obviously, for all the things, you can’t make any mistakes.

"For the first time in 26 years, I couldn’t find it, and it wasn’t there, so I just [improvised], which was a bit different."

Of course, it was an emotional farewell for Lineker, who has been at the helm of the show since 1999.

As well as some fitting final words, Lineker was also surprised with a montage of messages from some of his closest pals in the industry, including his podcast co-hosts, Ian Wright, Virgil van Dijk, and his sons.

Speaking about that moment of MOTD, Lineker shared: "[I was] struggling to keep myself [together], especially when I saw my boys, you know what it’s like when it’s family and stuff, and thankfully that wasn’t the last clip, because I’d gone at that point.

"I needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show."

The news of Lineker's departure was announced just the other week after the pundit shared a social media post that has since been deemed antisemitic by various groups.

In a statement, Lineker said: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.

"I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."

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In a statement at the time, Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

"Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."

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