Clive Tyldesley, one of football's most iconic voices, has shared his thoughts on ITV's decision to axe him after a 28-year run.
The 69-year-old, who has forged a dynamic on-screen relationship with Ally McCoist at Euro 2024, will commentate his final match with ITV on Saturday as hosts Germany face Denmark in the last-16.
ITV are thought to be planning a tribute to Tyldesley during the broadcast of the match in Dortmund – a decision that he has described as "a little unusual".
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Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "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'm not going to object to it but at same time it’s a little unusual when it’s their decision to move me on."
As he continues to work his magic on the microphone at this summer's tournament in Germany, Tyldesley says he feels "as well as I ever have".
Having been with the broadcaster since 1996, Tyldesley believes he is still at a level to perform on the biggest stage.
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"I’m 70 in August,’ he added. "I don’t want to sound sanctimonious because we don’t save lives, we just shout names out. But this is the only job I ever wanted to do and so I take it very seriously. Part of that is to review and ensure I’m maintaining the standards set by my late mentor Reg Gutteridge.
"I think I am still at a level where I can commentate as well as I ever did. I am conscious that that won’t last forever. For personal pride and vanity I don’t want my levels to slip. If and when that happens I hope I’ll be first to see it and react accordingly but I think I can still do it.
"I don’t wasn’t to use the word frustration, because I’m not particularly frustrated but this was not my decision."
Tyldesley has refused to hit out at his employers as he prepares for his final game on ITV.
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"I’ve known for five to six weeks,’ he explained. "The ITV football editor phoned me to tell me I would be going home after the last 16. I asked if there would be any other opportunities and he said that ITV would not be offering me another contract and so that will be it after 28 years.
"ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them.
"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."
Having shaping the childhoods of many as ITV's lead commentator, Tyldesley previously said he was "annoyed, upset and baffled" after being replaced as ITV's number-one by Sam Matterface in 2020.
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As a result, the recent news did not come as a surprise.
"They stood me down as lead commentator in 2020 but in the next breath offered me a contract to be backup to their new lead [Sam Matterface]," he said.
"I wanted to continue to work on major tournaments and the FA Cup so I agreed. In Qatar they told me in a hotel reception I would be going before the semi-finals and so at least this time has been different but I’ve known it has been coming for four years."
Tyldesley, who has recently launched a podcast, The Football Authorities, will also be involved in commentating on the Champions League for CBS Sports. Viewers of Amazon Prime will also hear his dulcet tones during the Premier League fixtures around Christmas time.
Jack Kenmare