THE football world is in mourning after the death of legendary BBC commentator John Motson aged 77.
Affectionately known as "Motty", Motson was the voice of football on the Beeb for many generations.
As news of his sad passing circulated this morning, fans of all ages flocked to social media to pay tribute to the great man – whose charisma and feverish excitement helped many fall in love with the beautiful game.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher led the tributes, writing: "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 & cup finals. Sad loss."
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: "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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Commentator Clive Tyldesley movingly wrote: "As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad."
Gary Neville posted: "RIP John Motson."
Motty's commentator pal Martin Tyler said on Sky Sports News: "He was somebody I admired in terms of the profession enormously. His attention to detail was second to none. He was a real example to me.
"He advised me to 'talk little, but say a lot'. That says a lot about John. A wonderful career, a great guy away from the microphone and a great sense of humour. He helped me a lot.
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"A friend but a rival I suppose as well, but full admiration of him."
John Terry added: "RIP John Motson. The voice of football."
Comedian David Baddiel tweeted: "John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, was football. RIP."
And Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell also added: "Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman."
BBC pundit and ex-England striker Chris Sutton tweeted: "Really sad news to hear of the passing of John Motson. He was a legendary figure in the commentary box and will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
And Alastair Campbell wrote: "So sad to hear Motty has died. The best. One of life’s enthusiasts, a man who loved football with every cell in his body and loved sharing his knowledge and passion with others. RIP."
Alan Sugar added: "Sorry to hear that John Motson has died. One of the greatest football commentators ever. RIP Motty"
While fans were also left devastated.
One wrote: "RIP to legendary commentator John Motson, an iconic voice of football you will be sorely missed."
And a second added: "RIP John Motson. Iconic."
A third accurately described him as a "pioneer for football commentary".
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While a fourth tweeted: "Rest in Peace John Motson, the voice of football for my generation."
Another poignantly wrote: "Such sad news about John Motson. The voice of football. Even the word iconic doesn’t do him justice."
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