Gary Lineker appeared on ITV's World Cup coverage on Saturday, having left their rival broadcaster, the BBC.
The former England striker was brought in by ITV as a studio guest for Germany's Group E clash with Ivory Coast alongside host Laura Woods and pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Duncan Ferguson.
Since leaving the BBC, Lineker has focused on his company Goalhanger Podcasts' production of their "The Rest Is Football" podcast. With Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker has recorded daily episodes from a studio overlooking Times Square in New York City with Netflix as his broadcast partner.
But he isn't exclusive to Netflix, and made the short trip to ITV's World Cup studio in Brooklyn on Saturday. He promoted an upcoming light-entertainment show called "The Box" which he will be hosting on ITV later this year.
ITV and BBC are sharing World Cup coverage for the UK. ITV's industry rivals and Lineker's former employers are covering the World Cup from their Salford home.
Lineker started his appearance on ITV with a typically light-hearted moment after he started to present the show before presenter Laura Woods interjected in comical fashion.
"Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel," Lineker started before being cut off by Woods.
Woods added: "Gary, that's my job!"
Lineker replied: "Sorry, sorry. Old habits!"
ITV took a look back on Lineker's own World Cup history before coverage turned to Germany's match with Ivory Coast and the former England forward reflected on his golden boot in 1986 and being involved in the 'Hand of God' game against Argentina -- where Diego Maradona also produced a wonderful individual goal.
Lineker was aligned to the BBC for 26 years, most notably hosting "Match of the Day." He was originally due to host their World Cup coverage this summer.
That relationship ended in a row over Lineker's social media posts.
He stepped away after the final "Match of the Day" episode for the 2024-25 Premier League season. He had been their highest-paid on-air talent.
Lineker was not announced as part of ITV's group of broadcast talent at the start of the World Cup, but his appearance on their coverage of Saturday's match was announced on Friday.
The ex-BBC host was also asked about Harry Kane drawing level with his record World Cup tally of 10 goals for England after the current captain struck a brace against Croatia on Wednesday.
"I am not a violent man, but I did kick the door down! No, I was genuinely pleased for Harry. Obviously it's taken him an extra World Cup to do it and there is quite a lot of penalties in there, but we'll give him that," Lineker said with a smirk.
"Yeah, true [less minutes]. In all seriousness, Harry is a way better all-round number nine than I was. I was very much a penalty box player and Harry does it all doesn't he?
"He drops back, his passing range is fabulous and I think he is our best ever number nine."
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Lineker could not resist a slight dig at old employees BBC after they have drawn criticism for not being based in America for the World Cup, especially given ITV's eye-catching studio backdrop in New York.
"I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we're Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set," Lineker said.
"I think it's absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real. What a backdrop."
The light-hearted nature of Lineker's appearance continued when Woods allowed the 65-year-old to take the show into the break, but the veteran anchor did praise the "fabulous job" of his female colleague before focus turned to the World Cup action.
Information from PA contributed to this story.