Match of the Day host and football legend Gary Lineker apologised for sharing a social media post which included a rat emoji, historically used as an antisemitic insult
Gary Lineker has admitted he won’t miss Match Of The Day after he leaves.
The star will bow out this summer after 26 years as host in the wake of his antisemitism row and he’s confident he’ll feel fine about it. Asked if he’ll miss making the show, he said: “No, and I know that sounds strange, but I’ve never really missed things.
“I didn’t miss playing after I finished. It felt like that part of my life was over and I think I was helped a little bit by having the last two years when I was in Japan, I was permanently injured. It was very frustrating and I just wanted to get on and do something else.
“Then I took to golf for years and I was obsessed with golf. And then I couldn’t really play it anymore.
“I hurt my wrist and then I hurt my back so I stopped playing and I thought I’d miss it, but I didn’t at all.
“So I think this will be the same. I absolutely loved doing it for all that time but I know me and once it’s finished, I’ll still watch it. But I don’t think I’ll miss doing it, no, no. I’m a bit strange like that.”
Gary is ready to enjoy all the free time he’ll have once he’s off the show.
He told podcast Beyond The Title: “Do you know what I’m looking forward to?
“I haven’t really had weekends in my life as an adult. I’ve always played football at the weekends and now broadcast football at the weekend.
“So I’m looking forward to a few Saturday nights, going out for dinner and things like that.”
The 64-year-old has announced he is quitting all BBC commitments after a row over his social media use. And insiders have claimed staff are relieved he is leaving.
One staff member said: “There’s a feeling of relief.
“We’re subject to strict rules on what we can and can’t say and there was a feeling Gary could do what he wanted.
“Now nobody will have to brace themselves for what he posts next.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
