Famous football faces turn out to mourn John Motson at funeral

Famous faces from across the world of football have turned out to pay their respects to John Motson as the legendary commentator is laid to rest at his funeral. The 77-year-old, widely considered to be the voice of football, passed away last month leaving many in mourning.

Motson worked for the BBC for 47 years covering 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 FA Cup finals for BBC Sport before retiring from the organisation in 2018. He was regularly heard on Match of the Day and was at the mic for almost 2,500 matches.

He sadly passed away last month leaving the football world in mourning and many famous faces turned out to pay their last respects at his funeral on Friday at the Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes.

Long-time BBC colleagues Garth Crooks, Martin Keown and Mark Lawrenson were among those present at the service with Sky Sports commentator Martin Taylor and former FIFA boss Brian Barwick also among the mourners.

Floral wreaths depicting the badges of English football clubs were laid at the service with teams from across English football keen to commemorate someone who was the voice of many of their games in years gone by.

Motson’s death was met by an outpouring of love and affection as football fans and pundits reminisced over the legendary commentator’s life. His iconic voice was the soundtrack to so many people’s experiences of football while his infamous sheepskin coat was almost as well known as the man himself.

Gary Lineker led the tributes following his death after spending years working with him for the BBC. “He was a truly wonderful commentator,” he said on the first episode of Match of the Day after his death. “He was one of a kind, and for people of my generation, he was part of our lives for 50 years.

“John always did his research, he was meticulous in his presentation, but his great skill really was getting the big moments right, finding the right words at the right time.

“He lived for football, and we lived football through him. We, and football, will miss him.”

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