Clive Tyldesley vows to continue commentating despite ITV axe

LAST HURRAH: Clive Tyldesley insists he has no intention of retiring from commentating despite ITV’s decision to end his 28-year association with the English broadcaster.

Clive Tyldesley insists he has no intention of retiring from commentating despite ITV’s decision to end his 28-year association with the English broadcaster.

The popular commentator has been told he will not be offered another contract after Saturday’s last-16 match between Germany and Denmark.

ITV moved to phase Tyldesley, who commentated on numerous iconic football moments such as Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League final comebacks in 1999 and 2005 respectively, out of their showpiece matches for over four years as they controversially axed him as lead commentator in 2020.

“ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them,” the 69-year-old told the Daily Mail.

“It’s a shame it’s coming to an end but it’s a matter of opinion and their opinion is that this is the right call.

“I don’t know why they think that. I’ve never fully understood but I have to accept it. I still think my work is strong enough to resonate with old and young.

“It’s a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so.

“This is not my decision, it’s theirs. If they want to highlight the fact that I have been with them a long time that’s also their decision.

“I am not going to object to it but at same time it’s a little unusual when it’s their decision to move me on.”

Tyldesley will continue to commentate on the Champions League for Americans CBS and Amazon’s round of Premier League fixtures next season.