Martin Tyler leaves Sky Sports after glittering 30-year Premier League career
Martin Tyler will leave Sky Sports ahead of the new Premier League season.
Tyler, 77, has worked for the broadcaster for more than three decades and has commentated on live Premier League fixtures since the division's inception in 1992. The veteran commentator is not retiring and will continue to work for rival broadcasters.
Tyler has faced criticism in recent months from fans, with calls for Sky Sports to bring in a new lead commentator. His contract expires this summer and will not be renewed, but he is stepping down on good terms and has been called 'The Voice' in a tribute.
Tyler was unable to commentate during the final weeks of the 2022/23 season due to illness, which is why he did not cover the Premier League title celebrations as usual. This is also the reason why Sky Sports didn't pay tribute to his glittering career at the time.
In a statement, Tyler said: "In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League.
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"It has been a privilege to play a small part in the broadcasting history of the greatest league in the world. Along the way I have worked alongside legions of wonderful professionals in all aspects of the television industry. I thank them all for their support and expertise. It has been an honour to be a member of a very gifted team."
Tyler has been the voice of football on Sky Sports (Getty Images)Is Martin Tyler the greatest commentator of all time? Let us know in the comments below!
Tyler has enjoyed a sensational 49-year career as a commentator. He worked for ITV during the 1970s and 1980s, getting his big break at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. He joined Sky Sports in 1990 when the new broadcaster launched its sport coverage.
Sky Sports won the rights to show Premier League football when the division launched and Tyler has commentated on several big games since. He was also the lead commentator for EA Sports' FIFA video game series between 2005 and 2020.
Tyler's crowning moment came in 2012 when he commentated on Manchester City's first Premier League title triumph. He delivered his famous "Aguerooooooo" line when Sergio Aguero scored the winner against Queen's Park Rangers to confirm that title.
Sky Sports' director of football Gary Hughes added: "Everyone at Sky Sports would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Martin for his unparalleled contribution and dedication to our coverage over the last 30 years. ‘The Voice’ will always be synonymous with the Premier League and Sky Sports.
"When you think of commentary, you think of Martin Tyler. ‘Collymore closing in’ and ‘Aguerrrrrroooooooooo’ are two of the greatest moments in Premier League history. We thank him and wish him all the very best for the future."
Tributes have been pouring in for Tyler since the news broke. Fellow commentator Rob Palmer tweeted: "Truly the end of an era! Martin Tyler set the standard for all Sky commentators. I hope I'm still going as strong in 20 years time."
Jeff Stelling added: "Martin Tyler, right up with the all time great commentators. Always unbiased - whatever some on Twitter would believe. Most importantly, a lovely man."
Premier League CEO Richard Masters has also said: "Martin has had an incredible broadcasting career, spanning nearly 50 years commentating on football, and his voice has been synonymous with the Premier League since it began in 1992.
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"He has made a remarkable contribution to the game and there will be generations of football fans who will always remember his words in those big game moments, and of course 'that goal' by Aguero on the last day of the 2012 season.
"Whether on Sky Sports, ITV or globally through his work with Premier League Productions and other international broadcasters, covering Premier League games, European matches or World Cups, Martin's insightful commentary and analysis has always added something special to games.
"I would like to thank Martin on behalf of everyone at the Premier League for the incredible role he has played and we will miss hearing him from the Sky Sports commentary box."
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