The voice of football John Motson will retire from the BBC at the end of the football season after 50 years working for the broadcaster.
During his career, ‘Motty’ has commentated at ten World Cups, ten European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals - often wearing his trademark sheepskin coats.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time commentating for BBC Sport,” Motson, 72, told the BBC.
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“I’ve been fortunate enough to witness some of the biggest moments in football history mere yards away from the action, so I’ve really been very lucky.
“I’m hoping to keep my association with football and with broadcasting - I’m not retiring from everything, I’m retiring from the BBC."
Motson will commentate on 18 games this season, and his last appearance will be the during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final in May next year.
John Motson researching before a game (Gary M Prior/Allsport)
Motty’s best moments behind the mic
“Radford again. Oh what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer.” Motson’s career took a huge leap when he commentated on Ronnie Radford’s goal that gave non-league Hereford a memorable victory over Newcastle United in the FA Cup in 1972.
“Villa… and still Ricky Villa! What a fantastic run! He's scored!” Another moment in FA Cup folklore as Tottenham’s Ricky Villa scores the winner in the 1981 FA Cup final replay against Manchester City at Wembley.
“And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket. He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that - Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!” The 2006 World Cup final will be remembered as much for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt as for Italy’s victory. Motson was there to call it.
Five facts about Motson
- He was awarded an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
- Research conducted by speech experts found that Motson had the perfect voice pitch for football commentary. He could be twice as loud or soft as the average person, the study revealed.
- He started his career as a reporter on local newspapers.
- He has commentated on 2,500 televised football matches.
- Motson still uses felt-tip pens to write his notes. “I am not into the computer technology,” he said.
What the football world thinks of Motson
BBC colleague Gary Lineker says Motson is a “legend of his profession”.
Wycombe Wanderers pick out a memorable Motson moment.
A sneaky selfie from BBC West Midlands sports reporter Steve Hermon.
“End of an era,” says Big Football.
Fan reaction to Motson’s retirement
Adam Hurrey’s Twitter thread picks out the "Peak Motson" highlights.
“The voice of England matches,” says one Twitter fan.
Over to Motty for more analysis...
“Just like a falling oak” was one of Motson’s legendary descriptions.
Thank you, Motty.