Iconic football commentator, Martin Tyler is to leave Sky Sports ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Tyler has been part of Sky Sports’ football coverage since 1990 but is best known for his commentary of Premier League matches alongside various domestic plus international footballing competitions which Sky held the rights to over the past three decades like UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
Throughout his time covering the Premier League, Tyler has delivered memorable moments like “Aguerrrrrroooooooooo”, which came when Sergio Aguero struck a late winner to clinch Manchester City a maiden Premier League title in May 2012.
Speaking about his decision to step down, Tyler issued the following statement: “In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League.
“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.”
Sky Sports’ Director of Football, Gary Hughes paid tribute to Tyler for his professionalism as he said: “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.”
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive also issued a statement on Tyler’s departure, in which he commented: “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.
“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.”
Soccer Saturday presenter, Jeff Stelling led tributes to Tyler as he praised the 77 year-old for ‘unbiased’ commentary.
Martin Tyler right up with the all time great commentators. Always unbiased- whatever some on Twitter would believe. Most importantly a lovely man .
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) June 17, 2023
Jamie Carragher took to Twitter to share his memories of Tyler’s commentary in the following tweet.
I listened to Martin Tyler commentate on Everton’s greatest ever game against Bayern Munich in 1985,
he was commentating on my full debut & first goal for Liverpool as an 18yr old in 1997.
I then had the privilege to work alongside him for 10yrs, the highlight being an Origi… https://t.co/BTVHGZ3NLg— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 17, 2023
Such was Tyler’s impact that even BBC’s Gary Lineker plus Tyler’s Sky colleague, Alan Smith both shared their own tributes.
One of the very, very best. Good luck and well played, Martin Tyler. https://t.co/o3XPhM4mA6
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 17, 2023
It has been an absolute privilege to work with a broadcasting legend @SkySports. Martin’s deep love for the game and dedication to his craft have never waned. A marvellous example to us all pic.twitter.com/0UTkv25oij
— Alan Smith (@9smudge) June 17, 2023
Joey Barton meanwhile joked that Tyler has more time to become a football coach instead of commentating on games.
Good luck Martin. The voice of football on Sky. Big boots to fill. Hopefully, more time for his coaching career. 💪👍 https://t.co/RaoBQj3AyC
— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) June 17, 2023