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Gary Lineker to leave BT Sport after 6 years as a host

Gary Lineker has announced he will no longer be the face of BT Sport's UEFA Champions League cove...



Gary Lineker to leave BT Sport...
Soccer

Gary Lineker to leave BT Sport after 6 years as a host

Gary Lineker has announced he will no longer be the face of BT Sport's UEFA Champions League coverage. 

Saturday's Champions League final meeting of Chelsea and Manchester City will be his last with the subscription-based network.

Lineker says he turned down an offer to renew his contract from BT, preferring instead to follow Leicester City across Europe with his sons.

The 60-year old will continue hosting the BBC's Match of the Day, as well as the Beeb's Euro 2020 coverage.

Lineker's departure could provide an opportunity for Jake Humphrey to step up, as he's been the regular host of BT Sport's UEFA Europa League coverage.

One of Lineker's regular pundit's Rio Ferdinand greeted the news by saying, "Been an honour to share the stage with you! One more Last Dance (Until this summer).

The future of BT Sport itself remains unclear.

It's believed BT are in discussions to sell a stake in BT Sport, with Amazon, ITV and DAZN among the interested parties.

"Further to media reports," a spokesperson said this month, "BT can confirm that early discussions are being held with a number of select strategic partners to explore ways to generate investment, strengthen our sports business and help take it to the next stage in its growth.

"The discussions are confidential and may or may not lead to an outcome.”

Gary Lineker statement: 

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 their truly groundbreaking coverage over the past 6 years.

I would like to thank BT Sport for the 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.

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BBC Bt Sport Champions League Gary Lineker Rio Ferdinand UEFA Champions League