Clive Tyldesley reveals phone call that led to ITV exit with Euro 2024 commentator left baffled
Clive Tyldesley has been left baffled by ITV's decision to axe him after 28 years
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Clive Tyldesley has admitted he's been left baffled by ITV's decision to axe him - though has refused to slam his bosses at the channel.
The 69-year-old has been working for ITV for the best part of three decades, becoming one of the biggest voices in sport as a result.
He has covered huge games over the years, from the Champions League to the World Cup, the FA Cup to the Champions League.
But Tyldesley will commentate his last match for ITV on Saturday, having been informed he wouldn't be given another new contract roughly six weeks ago.
Clive Tyldesley has been left baffled by ITV's decision to axe him after 28 years
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Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, the 69-year-old has opened up on his imminent exit.
He will be leaving ITV after commentating on Germany's Euro 2024 clash with Denmark this Saturday.
And Tyldesley says he was informed via phone call that his time with the broadcaster would be coming to an end.
"I’ve known for five to six weeks," he told the publication.
"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."
The commentator admits the decision has baffled him because he's still enjoying his job.
But he has refused to criticise ITV bosses, despite the ruthless decision to axe him.
"ITV has been very good for me and my career and I’d like to think I have been good for them," he said.
"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.
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"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."
He continued: "I'm 70 in August.
"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.
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Clive Tyldesley insists he won't be retiring despite his imminent ITV exit
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"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."
Clive Tyldesley will be leaving ITV after a stunning 28-year spell
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ITV are set to pay tribute to Tyldesley this weekend.
And the football fanatic admits it's a 'strange situation' for him to be in.
"It’s a strange situation because I am not retiring and have no intention of doing so," he admitted.
"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."
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