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Is Gary Lineker going to present Match of the Day in his pants?

The former Leicester City and England striker made a promise he has to keep

Mark Critchley
Friday 12 August 2016 13:13 BST
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Lineker made the promise in December 2015
Lineker made the promise in December 2015 (John Phillips/Getty Images)

Will Gary Lineker really present Match of the Day in his pants?

Yes. It looks as though he will.

The official Match of the Day Twitter account suggested as much on Thursday when posting an image of bright white pair of briefs on a coathanger.

The name 'Lineker' was labelled above them.

Why?

Back in December 2015, relegation candidates Leicester City led the Premier League by two points with 22 games remaining.

Lineker, Match of the Day presenter and Leicester fan, tweeted: “YES! If Leicester win the @premierleague I'll do the first MOTD of next season in just my undies.”

The 5,000/1 outsiders for the title duly lifted the trophy five months later, finishing ten points clear.

It was arguably the most remarkable achievement in the history of English football.

Has he been preparing?

On Thursday, the former England international striker posted a picture of himself on Instagram working out.

The caption read, simply: “Prep #MOTD #gym #thatprotein”

Has he tried to pull out of it?

Lineker seemed to regret making the promise in an interview with the Radio Times in April.

"You'll have to wait and see. I've kind of said I'll have to do it," the 55-year-old said. "The conversation's been had. I've told them many times, 'Please tell me I can't do it'.

"When I sent the tweet in December I categorically knew there was zero chance that (Leicester) would win.

"I'm in good shape. For an old b*****d. I'll probably work out for the two weeks beforehand very, very hard."

Those hoping for a full hour-and-a-half of ogling may be disappointed, however.

In an interview with The Independent the same month, he denied that he had ever suggested he would do the whole programme in just his briefs.

What time is Match of the Day on and where can I watch it?

Match of the Day will be shown at 10.30pm on Saturday 13 August on BBC One.

The traditional Sunday morning repeat will be shown at 7.35am on 14 August on BBC One.

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