GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a "massive commitment".

Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season's FA Cup and World Cup.

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The legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.

The England great joked that he thinks it's a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.

Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.

The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.

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So the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.

And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of "top presenters" doing a "great job".

Lineker told : "That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.

“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.

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“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.

“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.

“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”

Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts.