Clive Tyldesley has revealed his disappointment at being replaced as ITV's senior football commentator, in an emotional video posted on his social media.
The 65-year-old replaced the legendary Brian Moore in the role just after the 1998 World Cup final, covering many international tournaments, FA Cup finals, Champions League nights, and England matches ever since.
It was Tyldesley's iconic commentary that heightened huge moments over the years, from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Champions League winner in 1999 to Liverpool's extraordinary comeback in Istanbul.
ITV have replaced me as their main football commentator... pic.twitter.com/S8UOjvwEck
— Clive Tyldesley (@CliveTyldesley) July 14, 2020
Tyldesley revealed today he was as shocked as anyone to have heard the news.
"If you haven't seen the announcement, I am being replaced as ITV's senior football commentator. Quite a few people have been in touch with me asking me to react, to comment, I'm not sure that would be a very good idea at the moment.
"I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision, but I haven't got my head around it. To be clear, this is ITV's decision, not mine.
"I am upset, annoyed, baffled. I would been [but for the pandemic] interested in commentating the EURO 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago, but now I won't be commentating on any of the big England games in the coming year.
"I'm going to miss them, and I love this job, and it's gone. Why? I don't know. I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken.
"I already have had a producer of a broadcaster I am working on asking me if I've got any health issues, no I have got no health issues. Asking me if there's something I've done. No, there's nothing.
"I gather one or two sites are reporting I've been sacked. Well, I guess I have from one job, but I've done nothing wrong.
"I'm the same broadcaster, the same person that I've always been. Like me or hate me, you're entitled to do either. Like everybody else in football, I am a matter of opinion and I totally get that.
"I totally respect ITV's right to change their opinion of me. ITV have been really good for me, and yes, I'll carry on as their number two commentator.
"But, let me make it quite clear, I have not stepped down, I have been moved, moved aside. I've not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that.
"Now listen, there are thousands of people in this country facing job losses and disappointments far more serious than this. I am a lucky boy, I love my work and I've got plenty on.
"I'm not making a statement or anything like that, this is not a grave matter of state, I'm just trying to explain, telling you, that I'm really, really disappointed about this.
"I don't know why I'm being replaced. I'm well, I'm able, I'm available. And I'm just going to miss the England games so much, even more than I miss the Champions League games, and that's all."
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