Gary Lineker has defended his decision to appear as a pundit on ITV's World Cup coverage, stating his motives were 'strictly professional' after facing criticism from fans and former colleagues. The former BBC Match of the Day presenter joined ITV's broadcast for Germany's Group E match against Ivory Coast on Friday, marking his first major appearance on a rival network since leaving the BBC last May.
Light-hearted start and subtle dig at BBC
Lineker began his ITV stint with a humorous exchange with host Laura Woods. 'Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel,' he said before Woods interjected: 'Gary, that's my job!' The moment was widely shared on social media.
Lineker also made a subtle dig at his former employer by complimenting ITV's studio set, which features a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The BBC has faced criticism for basing most of its World Cup operation in Salford's Media City, with presenters and pundits broadcasting from there rather than the tournament venue.
Explaining the defection on The Rest Is Football
On Sunday's episode of his podcast The Rest Is Football, co-host Micah Richards pressed Lineker to explain his appearance on ITV. 'I was making an appearance to promote my show 'The Box' which is also on ITV in September,' Lineker said. 'And also I wanted to go and have a little look at the studio. I also wanted to go and promote our Netflix show which I got two mentions in for. It was just for purely professional reasons Micah.'
Richards responded: 'Professional reasons? Come on Gaz, you're better than that.' Lineker retorted: 'Says the person who works for pretty much every TV channel known to man.'
Behind the scenes with Ian Wright
The podcast also featured a segment showing Lineker going behind the scenes at ITV, where he bumped into his former Match of the Day colleague Ian Wright. 'It's so cheeky, Gary,' Wright said. Lineker was then seen receiving a head massage from a crew member, quipping: 'I never got this massage at the BBC.'
Lineker's ITV appearance has sparked debate about pundit loyalty and the increasing fluidity between broadcasters during major tournaments. The BBC declined to comment on Lineker's cameo.
