Clive Tyldesley, the iconic football commentator, has reassured his followers that he’s in good health after a hospital visit for tests. The broadcasting veteran, who shared snaps from his hospital bed, downplayed concerns, promising fans he’d be back on the job next week.
He took to social media to express his gratitude towards the NHS staff, stating: “Another great NHS experience today. I’m so grateful for the expertise, care and smiles I got today. And I’m fine!!”
Tyldesley then teased his return to the commentary box with a photo of himself donning headphones, ready to cover the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. He continued: “My post was about the excellence of the NHS. I’m absolutely fine and watching the game.
“I’ll be at the Etihad next Tuesday. They were just looking for something and found nothing – barely a brain cell!”
Celebrating 50 years behind the microphone this year, Tyldesley’s most notable period was with ITV from 1998 to 2024, serving as their lead voice for 22 years until Sam Matterface took over in 2020.
Despite continuing with ITV for four more years, his contract was not renewed post-Euro 2024, leaving countless fans disappointed.
On his departure from ITV, he told the Mail: “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.
“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,” regarding his exit from ITV. “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.”
Despite the setback, Tyldesley expressed no ill will towards ITV but clarified that retirement was not in his plans. Honouring his commitment to continue in sports broadcasting, Tyldesley has been a presence on Amazon Prime for Premier League and Champions League coverage, along with American network CBS Sports.
After securing a four-year contract with CBS last summer, he announced: “All I can do is keep reviewing my own standards, keep making myself available. If someone like CBS – who have given me a four-year contract to cover Champions League for the USA – show that sort of confidence in me then I can only assure you I will repay that faith by working bloody hard and trying to be as good as I can be.”
This article originally appeared on Mirror