JOHN MOTSON, THE MAN WITH ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISBLE voices in football commentary has passed away at the age of 77.
John Motson was best known for his brilliant broadcasting career in football commentary and for his 50-year career with the BBC.
After climbing through the ranks at the BBC as a journalist, he would go onto to become of one of best in his trade.
The broadcasting icon's work took him to 29 FA Cup finals and 10 World Cups in that time.
He also covered more than 200 England matches and commentated on almost 2,500 televised games.
Also known as 'Motty', he had worked on Match of the Day since 1971.
His last game for Match of the Day was between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion in 2018.
A statement on the BBC's website confirmed the news on Thursday. The statement read, "It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday) "
BBC director-general Tim Davie, added "John Motson was the voice of a footballing generation, steering us through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day."
“Here’s Gascoigne, oh brilliant, oh yes! Oh yes!” — Sanny Rudravajhala (@SannyR1985) February 23, 2023
We each have our own Motty moment. For me, it’ll forever be Euro 96 and Gazza’s genius.
RIP John Motson. pic.twitter.com/1mTS6UcCsA
"Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments."
Several tributes were also paid to the icon broadcaster by a number of high-profile football people.
The former Liverpool player 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."
While MOTD’s current presenter Gary Lineker said, "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."
He is survived by his wife Anne and son Frederick.
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