Gary Lineker clear three-word response to BBC job offer after Match of the Day exit

Gary Lineker was taken aback by the BBC's suggestion that he host a cooking show following his departure from Match of the Day, reportedly exclaiming: "Are you kidding?".

Lineker is set to bid farewell to the BBC after presenting his last Match of the Day this Sunday, a move precipitated by the furore over a social media post he made about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The 64 year old became embroiled in controversy last week, facing accusations of anti-Semitism after posting a video on social media that criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.

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Lineker issued a public apology for what some perceived as an offensive comment towards Jews, clarifying that he was unaware of the imagery's implications. A statement on Monday confirmed his departure from the BBC was agreed upon mutually.

Initially, the former England striker planned to conclude his 26-year tenure as Match of the Day host at the season's end, while still fronting the BBC's coverage of the upcoming FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, reports .

Yet, his exit has been brought forward by a year. Prior to the recent incident, Lineker had mentioned in a discussion with the BBC's Amol Rajan that there were those at the broadcaster who "wanted me to leave".

Gary Lineker divulged that BBC bosses signalled their intent not to renew his contract for their prime-time football programme last year and rather perplexingly, suggested he might pivot to presenting a cooking show instead.

Speaking candidly in a Telegraph interview three days before tweeting with a rat emoji, Lineker recounted: "It's funny, when I was talking to the Beeb and they told me they didn't want me to do another three years, they said, 'We think you could do a cooking show.'".

The suggestion left Lineker bemused, as he rolled his eyes and remarked: "Are you kidding? I thought it was hilarious."

In that same conversation, Lineker was probed about which individuals within the BBC had evidently implied a preference for his departure, and he commented on the changes he perceived since Alex Kay-Jelski took over as the BBC's Director of Sport last April.

"I think it has [changed], and that's what I was alluding to," Lineker noted. "He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit. Ultimately, I don't think they will, because I don't see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights. I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background. He has got no television experience."

Kay-Jelski revealed back in January that Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates were set to divide the Match of the Day presenting responsibilities. The trio were initially expected to play 'supporting roles' to Lineker during next year's World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

However, shifts in plans have been reported by the Sun, as Chapman, Logan, and Cates are now said to be vying for the prime presenting spot at the World Cup. An insider reportedly mentioned: "Now Gary's gone, there has to be a lead anchor for the World Cup coverage.

"Mark, Gabby and Kelly can definitely share the duties between them, but it will boil down to who gets the big games. For example, who will be taking the lead role on the final - which will be the game they all want to be the leading voice on."