Gary Lineker has taken a pay cut while committing to stay on at the BBC.
The Match of the Day host has signed a five-year contract to remain at the broadcaster and will continue to front their football coverage.
Last year was the former Everton favourite's 20th year as host of Match of the Day, meaning he will surpass 25 years in the hot seat before the end of his new contract.
He has already become the longest-running host in the show’s 56-year history having succeeded Des Lynam in 1999.
Lineker’s new deal, which will also see him continue to host the BBC’s FA Cup coverage and Sports Personality of the Year Award, includes a 23 per cent reduction in his pay, which previously stood at £1.75m.
That means his pay has been reduced by £400,000.
It is expected that Lineker will also continue to host BT Sport’s Champions League coverage.
Speaking about his new deal, Lineker revealed he is looking forward to fronting what should be an exciting five years of football.
He said: “I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.
“I’m looking forward to the next five years - with a European Championship and World Cup on the horizon, it’s exciting times for me and the team.”
After attracting attention from some quarters due to expressing his political beliefs on social media, Lineker joked that not everyone will be happy with the news.
He tweeted: “Oh dear. Thoughts are with the haters at this difficult time.”
