Gary Neville has definitively ruled out any possibility of succeeding Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor, while also addressing perceived tensions with fellow broadcaster Gary Lineker. The former Manchester United defender, now a prominent media figure and co-owner of Salford City, made his stance clear in a candid interview.
Neville's Firm Decision on Mayoral Ambitions
When asked about the prospect of entering politics, Neville responded bluntly: "It's not happening." He elaborated on his reasons, citing a packed professional schedule that leaves no room for such a role. "I've just done a partnership with Global, where we've launched a five-to-10-year business plan, we've just reinvested in Salford City for the next five to 10 years, I love the work I do on Sky television and I've got three years left on my contract with Sky, and I love doing Super Sunday. I love football too much," he explained.
Neville emphasised his deep commitment to his current ventures in Manchester, stating: "I love what I do in my life in Manchester, the business I run with the teams that I work with; I've committed to that and I'm not going to basically take a role, or look to take a role, because, to be fair, who knows what would happen right now with the way in which electoral results are going? I'm committed to what I'm doing. There is no way in a million years that I could ever be – even if I wanted to be – the Mayor of Manchester in the next 10 years because of what I've committed to."
Addressing the Lineker 'Rivalry'
Neville also dismissed suggestions of a rivalry between his popular YouTube show, Stick to Football, and Lineker's similar podcast. "There's no rivalry in my mind," he insisted. "And, to be fair, I love Micah, work with Micah, I'm on groups with Micah in my WhatsApps. So, no. No rivalry at all. I know Alan. Obviously played with Alan. I've got an enormous amount of admiration for Gary Lineker as a broadcaster. Obviously, he's one of the best. But it's like saying Super Sunday or Match of the Day. Or Friday Night Football, or Champions League football. You watch them all."
His comments mirror those of Lineker, who recently told The Athletic that the two shows have distinct styles and are not in competition. Nonetheless, both podcasts will vie for listeners during the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
Excitement for the World Cup
Neville, who will also serve as a pundit for ITV during the tournament, expressed enthusiasm about the event. "I can't wait to get there… we had an opportunity to do different things [and had conversations] with a couple of streamers. We loved working with ITV at the last tournament; it was amazing. But we felt we needed to be on YouTube where we can be our most free and where we belong; it's our home," he said.
