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‘An absolute LEGEND and gentleman’: Tributes pile in for iconic commentator John Motson – who has died aged 77 – as former players and broadcasters mourn ‘the voice of football’
Tributes have piled in for legendary sports commentator John Motson, who passed away aged 77 on Thursday.
Motson was synonymous with the BBC – where he commentated on over 2,000 matches on television and radio.
His stunning commentary portfolio included 29 FA Cup finals, 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships.
Confirming the news on social media, the BBC said: ‘John Motson, the voice of the BBC’s football coverage across 50 years, has died aged 77.’
Former players turned broadcasters Gary Lineker, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also swiftly took to social media to pay their respects to the iconic commentator.
John Motson, who was synonymous for his iconic commentaries and sheepskin coat, has died
Lineker, who has long been the face of BBC’s Match of the Day, said in a tribute: ‘Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died. A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.’
Ex-Liverpool and England star Carragher tweeted: ‘RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.’
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Neville, who alongside Carragher regularly commentates on Sky Sports, simply wrote ‘RIP John Motson’ with a love heart emoji.
Several more famous faces wanted to pay their respects to the iconic commentator on Thursday.
Ex-Arsenal and Everton star Kevin Campbell tweeted: ‘Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.’
David Baddiel, who used Motson’s iconic voice as part of his and Frank Skinner’s hit song Three Lions in 1996, said: ‘John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, *was* football. RIP.’
Motson was married to wife Anne – with the pair having tied the knot in 1977. They have one son together called Fred, who was born in 1986.
Born in Salford, Motson – the son of a Methodist minister – had stints as a reporter on the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph at the start of his career.
Motson – who has covered over 2,000 games on television and radio – passed away aged 77
Commentators were also quick to show how much Motson had inspired them in touching tributes on Twitter.
BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher wrote: ‘This is such sad news – an iconic commentator with his own distinctive and brilliant style. The soundtrack to my youth watching football. RIP Motty.’
More to follow.
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