Media Guardian: Martin Tyler steps down as Sky Sports football commentator after 33 years

Story from Media Guardian:

Martin Tyler, the veteran commentator, is stepping down from his role at Sky Sports after 33 years.

The 77-year-old has been the voice of football on Sky since the launch of the Premier League in 1992. In a statement on the Sky Sports website, 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.

“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, who is understood not to be retiring, worked for ITV throughout the 1980s as the number two to Brian Moore, before joining Sky in 1990. International listeners have been acquainted with his commentary on the Champions League, the World Cup finals and Euro tournaments for broadcasters in the United States, Australia and beyond. His commentary on Sergio Agüero’s title-winning goal for Manchester City in 2012 is much repeated and impersonated.

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football, 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. ‘Collymore closing in’ [from Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Newcastle in 1996] and ‘Agüerrrrrroooooooooo’ are two of the greatest moments in Premier League history. We thank him and wish him all the very best for the future.”

The Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher tweeted: “I listened to Martin Tyler commentate on Everton’s greatest ever game against Bayern Munich in 1985, he was commentating on my full debut and first goal for Liverpool as an 18-year old in 1997.

“I then had the privilege to work alongside him for 10 years, the highlight being an Origi last minute derby winner!”

Carragher added: “Martin is one of the-all time legends of the commentary box. ‘Agüerooooo’ is one of the most iconic commentary lines in the history of the game!”