Martin Tyler, the legendary football commentator, has opened up about his departure from Sky Sports, claiming that it was not his decision to leave the broadcaster after 33 years.
A voice of football history
Tyler, 77, is widely regarded as one of the best commentators in the sport, having narrated some of the most iconic moments in Premier League history, such as Sergio Aguero’s dramatic title-winning goal for Manchester City in 2012. He joined Sky Sports in 1990, after working for ITV since 1974, and became the lead commentator for the Premier League when it launched in 1992. He also covered Champions League, World Cup and European Championship finals, earning the respect and admiration of fans and players alike.
However, in June 2023, Sky Sports announced that Tyler would leave the company ahead of the new season, without giving any reason for his exit. Tyler said that he was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision, which he learned about only a few weeks before the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
“It was not my decision to leave Sky Sports,” Tyler told the Mirror Online. “I was told that they wanted to make a change and that I would not be part of their plans for the new season. I was shocked and saddened by the news, as I had hoped to continue working for them for as long as possible.”
Tyler said that he had no idea why Sky Sports decided to part ways with him, as he had received positive feedback from his colleagues and viewers throughout his career. He said that he had a good relationship with the management and the production team, and that he was always willing to adapt to the changing demands of the industry.
“I have always tried to be professional and respectful in my work, and to deliver the best commentary that I could for the fans,” Tyler said. “I have never had any complaints or issues with anyone at Sky Sports, and I have always enjoyed working with them. I don’t know what prompted them to make this decision, and I don’t think they have given me a fair explanation.”
A legend in his own right
Tyler’s departure from Sky Sports was met with an outpouring of tributes and appreciation from the football community, including former players, managers, pundits and journalists. Many of them praised Tyler for his passion, knowledge, skill and enthusiasm, and thanked him for his contribution to the game.
Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit, called Tyler “one of the all-time legends of the commentary box”. He said that he grew up listening to Tyler’s commentary, and that he was honoured to work alongside him for 10 years.
“Martin is the voice of football history,” Carragher said. “He has been involved in some of the most memorable moments in the sport, and he has always captured them with his unique style and emotion. He is a master of his craft, and a great person to work with. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Sky Sports and by the fans.”
Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, also paid tribute to Tyler, saying that he had made a “remarkable contribution” to the game and that he would always be remembered for his words in those big game moments.
“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,” Masters said. “He has always added something special to the games, with his insightful commentary and analysis. He is a true legend of the sport, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
A new chapter
Tyler said that he was not ready to retire from commentating, and that he was looking forward to exploring new opportunities in the field. He said that he had received several offers from other broadcasters and media outlets, both in the UK and abroad, and that he was excited to continue his passion for the game.
“I still love football, and I still love commentating,” Tyler said. “I have a lot of experience and knowledge to share, and I hope to find a new platform where I can do that. I am grateful for the support and interest that I have received from various sources, and I am optimistic about the future.”
Tyler said that he had no hard feelings towards Sky Sports, and that he was proud of his achievements and legacy with the company. He said that he would always cherish the memories and friendships that he had made during his time there, and that he hoped to maintain a good relationship with them.
“I have had a wonderful time at Sky Sports, and I have nothing but respect and admiration for them,” Tyler said. “They have been a huge part of my life, and I have been a huge part of theirs. I have seen them grow and evolve over the years, and I have been part of their success and innovation. I have worked with some amazing people, and I have made some lifelong friends. I wish them all the best, and I hope that they will continue to deliver the best coverage of the Premier League and football in general.”
