Gary Lineker delivered the perfect opening line to mark his return to television following his brief suspension by the BBC.
A storm erupted around the Match of the Day presenter, 62, last week when he described the government's language towards illegal migrants as "not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s." Before his hotly-anticipated return to Match of the Day on Saturday, Lineker was a guest for Viaplay to preview Sunday's El Clasico clash between former club Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Asked by presenter Semra Hunter how his week had been, he cheekily replied: "Really quiet, nothing much going on."
Both Lineker and Hunter couldn't help but laugh, as he continued: "Yes, you could say it's been an interesting week but I'm still here, still punching. It was interesting and also hugely gratifying, I had an amazing amount of support from my friends and colleagues which was quite beautiful actually.
"It was totally disproportionate, the whole thing. But we're okay, it's resolved, I'm relieved, I'm back to work tomorrow and all is well with the world."
Lineker had been told by BBC bosses to step back from presenting last Saturday's Match of the Day in an adjudged breach of impartiality rules, prompting a wave of support which saw a host of high-profile colleagues decide not to work for the BBC over the weekend, leaving their broadcast coverage in tatters. On Monday, confirmation came that the matter had indeed been resolved.
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"After a surreal few days, I'm delighted that we have navigated a way through this," the former England striker wrote on Twitter. "I want to thank you all for the incredible support, particularly my colleagues at BBC Sport, for the remarkable show of solidarity. Football is a team game but their backing was overwhelming.
"I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday."
"A final thought: however difficult the last few days have been, it simply doesn't compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away. It's heartwarming to have seen the empathy towards their plight from so many of you.
"We remain a country of predominantly tolerant, welcoming and generous people. Thank you."
The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, came in for fierce criticism but Lineker stood by him. "Also, I'd like to thank Tim Davie for his understanding during this difficult period," the 62-year-old added, putting a line under the drama.
"He has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy, particularly in the area of impartiality. I am delighted that we'll continue to fight the good fight, together.
