Match of the Day pundit makes statement on his future after BBC's call
Match of the Day pundit makes statement on his future after BBC's call
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Micah Richards claims he is not interested in presenting Match of the Day in the future, even if a space opens up in the absence of the BBC's new trio of presenters. Gary Lineker, who has hosted the football highlights show since 1999, announced in November that he would be leaving his iconic role at the end of the season. The BBC confirmed this month that three presenters will replace the 64-year-old.
Match of the Day 2’s Mark Chapman, veteran BBC broadcaster Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates, who will not leave her Sky Sports role, are set to share the responsibility of presenting the BBC’s flagship football programme. Meanwhile, Richards and Alan Shearer will continue as regular pundits.
After being spotted at a non-league game in North Shields, Richards was quizzed by Newcastle Fans TV about whether he would consider a switch from punditry to presenting the show. Richards laughed as he exclaimed: "Who told you that?!" before adding in a more serious tone: "No. In the future, maybe I’ll do some presenting, but Match of the Day, no. Gary's done an unbelievable job.".
Turning his attention to the BBC's decision to appoint the aforementioned trio, Richards said: "Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have got it now but I just prefer being a pundit. You can have more of an opinion, you know.". BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said this month following the announcement of the new Match of the Day line-up: "I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season.
