Boceli joins in a ‘Time to Say Goodbye’
Iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli joined the tributes – as MOTD faded out to his music.
Bocelli is most famous for his song “Time to Say Goodbye”.
‘Great tribute segment’
Viewers generally loved the BBC’s moving montage of Lineker’s contribution – to football and the Beeb itself.
Here are a few responses as fans come to terms with his 26 years as MOTD host ending..
One fan posted: “Absolute legend, every plaudit is deserved… a heart of gold.” Congratulations Gary, enjoy whatever is next.”
A second added: “He plays down what a great player he was too as well as a great presenter, get yourself to Ocean beach and make up with your bro, life’s too short!”
And a third wrote: “A great tribute segment. Thanks Gary, Alan and Micah for making Saturday nights special.”
A fourth said: “Sad to see Gary Lineker go. Intelligent, witty and warm… #MOTD and the BBC will be a poorer place without him.“
Here’s how tearful Lineker said goodbye
Gary Lineker’s final farewell to the Beeb was done in typical style – modest but with sharp humour… combined with a tear in his eye.
Gary wishes next season’s THREE presenters well
Lineker is being replaced by three well-respected presenters from next season.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan were all in the running for the individual job – until the Beeb decided to split it.
Lineker’s words of thanks also included an “I wish you well” message as he name-checked all three successors.
Family tribute to Lineker
Lineker’s family praised him as a father – and as “a brilliant human being”.
The Beeb showed clips from when Lineker’s then-young son was able to see him perform his MOTD role in the studio.
Beeb blends his two careers
MOTD peaked its farewell to Lineker with a rapid rundown on career highlights – from his playing days to the studio.
The late Sir Bobby Robson popped up in an old clip from the 1980s when he was bossing England to say: “Once again Lineker will get all the praise!”
And Ian Wright reveals the help he got from Lineker – as a player and then as a pundit.
