Gary Lineker has announced the pundit he will miss working with the most after his departure from Match of the Day.
The 64-year-old will step down from presenting the highlights program at the end of the current season.
Lineker will continue to cover FA Cup matches next season and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before his retirement.
Having spent 26 years as the host of Match of the Day, the former striker has collaborated with numerous top football analysts.
When asked by FourFourTwo about his favorite, Lineker joked, “I don’t like any of the others… just kidding.”
He then added, “I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a truly underrated pundit, analytically sharp, and always enjoyable to be around.”
Lineker dismissed Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as options because he will continue to work with them on their `The Rest Is Football` podcast.
Murphy, a former England midfielder, first joined Match of the Day in August 2013 after ending his playing career.
The former Liverpool and Fulham player also has a radio career, regularly appearing on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.
Lineker`s successor as the host of Match of the Day was announced in January.
The BBC announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates would share the role on a rotating basis.
Questioned about the need for three presenters, Lineker explained, “It’s probably due to the fact it’s a significant commitment.”
“These three all have families, and if you expect someone to do it for the next ten or 20 years, their weekends are essentially gone.”
“That might be the reason, I’m not sure. I wasn’t involved in those decisions.”
“I take it as a compliment that they’ve appointed three, though I suspect that`s not the real reason.”
“I haven’t had a chance to speak with them yet, but I will.”
“They`ll be excellent and do a fantastic job. I’ve known them all for years, they are top-tier presenters.”
