Gary Lineker leads the heartfelt tribute to 'voice of football' John Motson following his death

A giant of British broadcasting, Motson commentated on more than 2000 games, having began his career with the BBC in 1968.

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Fans became accustomed to his voice on Match of the Day, where he was affectionately dubbed the 'voice of football'.

Current presenter of the popular Premier League highlight show, Gary Lineker, wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died. A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He'll be very much missed. RIP Motty."

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On talkSPORT, the Hawksbee and Jacobs show posted a picture of Motty in the studio and remembered what his presence was like. "We were really privileged to be joined on the show by the great John Motson twice a week during the later years of his life," a tweet read.

"And that voice was just as iconic as it was ever was. We'll really miss Motty."

And football clubs, players and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the giant of the English game, who was synonymous with wearing a sheepskin coat.

Tottenham tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Motson.

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"He called one of the most iconic goals in our history, and many more. There will never be another like Motty."

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted: "RIP John Motson. An absolute legend of the game.

"So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD and cup finals. Sad loss."

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Fellow commentator Clive Tyldesley remarked: "As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad."

Table-toppers Arsenal tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Motson.

"One of the greatest commentators of his generation, he was synonymous with so many of the beautiful game's most incredible moments. Rest in peace, John."

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Their title rivals Manchester City were also quick to pay tribute, as they said: "Everyone at Manchester City is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary commentator, John Motson.

"With a career lasting more than 50 years, his voice was synonymous with football and our thoughts are with Motty's family and friends during this difficult time."

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Manchester United meanwhile remarked: "The voice of so many great United moments.

"We join the football world in mourning the passing of legendary commentator, John Motson. Rest in peace, Motty."

Remembering Motson, Chelsea messaged: "A truly iconic voice of the game and a friend of Chelsea. Our thoughts go out to John's family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. RIP John Motson, OBE."

Former Blues skipper John Terry commented: "RIP John Motson. The voice of football."

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Brentford posted: "Rest in peace, John Motson OBE. It was our pleasure to welcome Motty to Griffin Park for our final ever FA Cup tie at our former home.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time."

Leeds then stated: "A broadcasting legend, everyone at Leeds is deeply saddened by the passing of John Motson. Our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this time. RIP."

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Liverpool simply said: "An iconic voice of the game. Rest in peace, John Motson."

Their Merseyside rivals Everton tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Motson OBE, a broadcasting legend of our game whose iconic voice brought football to homes for more than 50 years. He will be sorely missed. RIP Motty."

Leicester said in a statement: "We are saddened to learn that legendary commentator John Motson has passed away.

"His unique voice and personality became synonymous with our national game over an incredible 50-year career in broadcasting. Rest in peace, Motty."

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talkSPORT' Ian Abrahams posted: "A broadcasting legend, a really helpful, friendly and engaging man, I was lucky to have met and worked with.

"RIP John Motson who has passed away today. We are lucky to be left with so many memorable commentaries of his from down the years."

The FA meanwhile said: "We are very sad to hear that John Motson has passed away.

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"His iconic voice will always be synonymous with football. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP, Motty."

Even former WBC heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno paid tribute, as he said: "John Motson RIP. Met John on many events he just called me 'Big Man'.

"The man was a walking encyclopedia on football I told him games I'd seen as a boy he knew scores and who'd played.

"I offered two buy his coat off him once as a laugh when it was really cold, sad day for sport."

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'Motty' covered 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for television and radio.

After 50 years spent at the BBC, Motson came out of retirement to work for talkSPORT in 2018.

A regular guest on the Hawksbee and Jacobs show, a message from the pair read: "We were really privileged to be joined on the show by the great John Motson twice a week during the later years of his life, and that voice was just as iconic as it was ever was."