Martin Tyler retirement decision before 2022/23 finale after missing trophy lift
The final day of the Premier League campaign will have one commentary comeback in place as Martin Tyler returns to mic duties for the campaign's curtain call.
And his commitments won't end there amid reports the English football staple plans to plough on despite rumours of retirement. Fans of the vocal veteran feared the worst after Tyler missed Manchester City's title lift at home to Chelsea last Sunday, but his absence was due to nothing more than a sore throat.
Pep Guardiola's side were guaranteed to take home their fifth top-flight crown in six seasons after Arsenal's recent loss at Nottingham Forest. Despite their home fixture against the Blues being little more than a procession, however, Julian Alvarez's early decider saw the hosts celebrate their trophy lift on a high.
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It was the first time in 20 years that Tyler didn't commentate on that moment, with Rob Hawthorne instead taking on those duties for Sky Sports. The more experienced shot-caller was already struggling with illness when he oversaw Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Brighton, but his condition deteriorated prior to City's key success.
Nevertheless, Tyler will be back and fit for Sunday's closing round of fixtures, with all 10 matches kicking off at 4.30pm. The Premier League champion and top four is already set, but there are still three teams hoping to avoid relegation and European qualification to fight for.
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News of Tyler being 'determined to carry on' next season will be well-received by some fans, many of whom recognise his work over the past half a century. The broadcaster made his commentary debut at The Dell in 1974 and has cultivated a reputation as one of the highest-calibre commentators of his generation.
That being said, even Tyler has come in for criticism of late, which some had speculated could spell the end for his career.
Accusations of racism sprouted after the 77-year-old said Tottenham's Son Heung-min was guilty of 'martial arts' following a foul on Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. He was also called bias by Arsenal icon Martin Keown, who felt his commentary on the Gunners following their title collapse verged on the impartial.
Despite those controversies, Tyler remains one of the most respected names in the business, particularly in Premier League circles. It's believed the seasoned star could yet play a hand in the Champions League and FA Cup finals for international broadcasters, provided he's fit.
Sky Sports will wave goodbye to at least a few of its other veterans this summer, with Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling set to depart his role. Liverpool great and pundit Graeme Souness will also step down from his media roles after announcing his departure in emotional scenes.
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