Gary Lineker leads football's tributes to John Motson after commentator's death

23 February 2023 , 11:19

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Gary Lineker has paid his own tribute to John Motson (Image: BBC)

Gary Lineker declared John Motson "the voice of football in this country" after the BBC commentator's death at the age of 77.

Motson was a renowned voice in the world of football for half a century, commentating on a host of iconic moments en route to earning an OBE in 2001. For generations he was the man who led the live coverage of World Cups, European Championships and FA Cups.

Commonly known as "Motty", he first commentated on an FA Cup final in 1977 and continued to take charge of major occasions up until 2008. His career oversaw a record six World Cup finals - his last being the 2006 tournament in Germany, as well as 29 FA Cup finals.

Lineker, who currently works for the BBC, is among the leading names to pay tribute to Motson: "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."

Gary Neville simply said: "RIP John Motson". His Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher added: "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." John Terry said: "RIP John Motson The voice of football."

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Rishi Sunak has also moved to pay tribute, a No.10 spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister offers his condolences to the family and friends of John Motson. He was a legend of the game, he was the voice of football for millions of people across the country. He will be deeply missed by fans."

Clive Tyldesley, the ITV commentator and one of the modern greats, said: "As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad."

Tributes have poured in for John Motson following his death (Corbis via Getty Images)

The legendary commentator had his final game with the BBC at Selhurst Park in 2018. Motson, alongside friend and then Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, was presented with a gift to pay tribute to his historic career.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish said: "So sad to hear the voice of Football for so many years John Motson has passed away. A lovely man who came to many games with us long after he had ‘retired’. He was one of the greats, his words perfectly punctuating so many incredible occasions."

Stand-up comedian Tim Vine recalled a meeting with Motson earlier this month, posting: "About 2 weeks ago Motty came to a match at Sutton United. I had the honour of sitting next to him.

"I remember a moment of goal mouth action and on my right I heard ‘ohh’. The classic Motty exclamation. Made me beam with joy. To my generation he was the voice of football. RIP x."

Motson alongside Roy Hodgson at his final BBC commentary in 2018

Motson's lengthy career saw him come out with several memorable quotes. He famously said: "This is getting better and better and better" as England won 5-1 in Germany back in the early 2000s. David Beckham scored England's winner against Argentina at the 2002 World Cup with Motson saying: "Hold the cups and glasses at home. You can smash them now! David Beckham has scored for England!"

Arsenal as a club said on social media: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Motson. One of the greatest commentators of his generation, he was synonymous with so many of the beautiful game's most incredible moments. Rest in peace, John

Tottenham paid tribute to Motson with one of their most famous FA Cup goals: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Motson. He called one of the most iconic goals in our history, and many more. There will never be another like Motty."

Samuel Meade