Lineker believes the BBC wanted him to step down, suggesting they preferred to bring in new talent.
He expressed no regrets about his controversial tweet comparing UK asylum policy to 1930s Germany, though he wouldn't repeat it due to the ensuing uproar.
Lineker questioned the BBC's impartiality rules for freelancers like himself, emphasizing his right to express opinions.
He plans to focus on his podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts, after leaving the BBC.