Gary Lineker's 26-year tenure as Match of the Day presenter will come to an end on May 25 in what promises to be a bittersweet farewell.
The BBC legend will bow out after the final round of Premier League fixtures this season.
His departure from the iconic highlights show will be tinged with personal disappointment as he faces the reality of his beloved Leicester City's relegation.
The 64-year-old former England striker, who spent the first seven years of his playing career at Filbert Street, is a lifelong Foxes supporter.
Gary Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day at the end of the month
PA
At the conclusion of each season, Match of the Day pundits conduct a review of the Premier League table.
This means Lineker will be forced to acknowledge Leicester's immediate return to the Championship during his farewell show.
The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind them.
Despite having had time to process his club's relegation, it will still mark a poignant moment in his final appearance.
Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night edition of the programme, with the Premier League's final fixtures falling on a Sunday.
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Gary Lineker will continue coverage for the FA Cup and the World Cup
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Following what he described as a drab set of results, he quipped: "After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst - no offence, lads."
He added: "Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!"
The comment offered viewers a glimpse of his characteristic humour as he begins to wind down his long-running presenting role.
The BBC announced in January that Lineker will be replaced by a new three-person presenting team from next season.
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Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan to front the programme.
Despite leaving Match of the Day, Lineker will continue his association with the BBC in other capacities.
He will front the broadcaster's live FA Cup coverage next season, while the 64-year-old will also present coverage of the 2026 World Cup, ensuring he remains a familiar face on BBC Sport.
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Lineker described his time presenting Match of the Day as "a joy and a privilege" spanning more than two decades.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he explained: "I feel this is now the right time [to leave].
"I think the next contract they're looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm."
He also confirmed he won't be joining a rival broadcaster, telling FourFourTwo: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast."
