Lineker to quit BT Sport role after UCL Final in Porto

Gary Lineker will step down as the host of BT Sport’s Champions League coverage following this weekend’s final between Manchester City and Chelsea in Porto.

The experienced broadcaster and former England striker has fronted BT’s coverage of Europe’s elite club competition since 2015.

However, Lineker – who has also hosted BBC’s Match of the Day Premier League highlights programme since 1999 – confirmed on Friday that he would be turning down an offer to renew his contract as he instead now looks to “do things that I’ve always promised myself I’d do”.

One thing on that list is for Lineker to follow his beloved Leicester City across Europe with his sons after the FA Cup winners booked a spot in the Europa League for next season, narrowly missing out on a Champions League berth in heartbreaking fashion on the final day of the campaign for the second year in a row.

Announcing his BT Sport departure on the eve of the 2020/21 Champions League Final, Lineker tweeted: “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 the their truly groundbreaking coverage over the past 6 years.

Some personal news: pic.twitter.com/UOy8Z4pMye

— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) May 28, 2021

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“I would like to thank BT Sport for their 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.”