Alan Hansen to retire from 'Match of the Day' after 22 years

Alan Hansen is retiring from his role as a pundit on Match of the Day.



The former Liverpool captain has featured on the BBC's football highlights show for 22 years.

Hansen said: "I've been in football for 41 years and I'm going out right at the top, just as I did at Liverpool.

"The plan was always that I would retire at 55. I kept going, but I finally decided to retire during Euro 2012."

The commentator will depart the programme following next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Reports in May suggested that BT Sport was interested in hiring Hansen, but he has decided to quit completely.

Fellow pundit Mark Lawrenson's role on Match of the Day has been reduced for the new football season.