John Motson has died aged 77

London, The Gulf Observer: John Motson, the legendary BBC football commentator, has died aged 77, the broadcaster has said.

Motson, popularly known as “Motty”, had an illustrious 50-year career with the BBC, working with the broadcaster’s flagship football highlights show, Match of the Day, since 1971.

He commentated on over 2,500 televised games and covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport.

Revered across the game, Motson, often seen beside the pitch pre-game with a microphone and in his trademark sheepskin coat, was awarded an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001.

He hung up his microphone and retired from the BBC in 2018, saying at the time: “I am going out on a high”.

Motson is survived by his wife of more than 45 years, Anne, and his son, Frederick.

Figures from across the footballing world on Thursday paid tribute to the commentator, among them Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

In a post on Twitter, he wrote: “RIP John Motson. An absolute legend of the game.

“So many of us grew up listening to this man describing the action and goals on MOTD and cup finals. Sad loss.”