LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has died aged 77.
The BBC pundit celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
John Motson has passed awayRex
Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
The commentator was famed for his signature sheepskin coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
Tributes have flooded in for the legend, whose cause of death has not been released.
Jamie Carragher said: “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.”
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell wrote: “Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.”
While David Baddiel said: “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, was football. RIP.”
In 2014, Motson was diagnosed with bowel cancer and forced to miss the World Cup in Brazil.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I consider myself very lucky I was diagnosed so early that the cancer was dealt with and the positiveness came about because I wanted to get back into my normal life.
“That drive and determination was probably the most positive thing I could’ve had.”
Motson was born in Salford and began his journalist career in Barnet – the team he supports.
He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
He bowed out after 50 years on the final day of the 2017/18 season and won a Bafta that year.
GettyMotson began his career in the 1960s[/caption]
GettyHe became known as the voice of football[/caption]
Getty – ContributorMotson won a Bafta for his commentating in 2018[/caption]
GettyHe retired that year after commentating on the final game of the season[/caption]
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