Clive Tyldesley says he cannot understand ITV’s decision to ‘sack’ him following confirmation he is to be replaced as the broadcaster's lead commentator after 22 years.
Tyldesley is to be replaced by Sam Matterface from next season but in a video released through his official Twitter account, he said he is ‘upset, annoyed and baffled’ by the decision.
In the emotional video posted on Tuesday morning, Tyldesley said he could not understand why he was being ‘sacked’ and insisted ITV were solely responsible for the decision to move him aside.
"Quite a few people have been in touch with me, asking me to react, but I don't think that would be quite a good idea at the moment," he said.
"I was told about three weeks ago, so I have had some time to get my head around it, but I haven't got my head around it.
"To be clear: this is ITV's decision, not mine. I'm upset, annoyed, baffled... I would have been commentating on the Euro 2020 final less than 24 hours ago [before the postponement], but now I won't be commentating on any of the big England games. I'm going to miss them.
"I love this job, and it's gone. Why? I don't know. I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken. I've got no health issues.
"One or two sites have reported that I've been sacked. Well, I guess I have from one job, but I've done nothing wrong. I'm the same person, and same broadcaster that I've always been. Like me or hate me, you're entitled to do either ... and I totally respect ITV's right to change their opinion of me. Yes, I'll carry on their no.2 commentator.
"Let me make it quite clear: I have not stepped down, I have been moved aside. I have not even thought or winding down to retirement and all that."
He added: "I'm a lucky boy, I love my work and I've got plenty on ... I'm just telling you that I'm really, really disappointed about this. I don't know why I'm being replaced; I'm well, I'm able, I'm available and I'm just going to miss the England games so much, even more than the Champions League games."
