Clive Tyldesley has been left "upset, annoyed, and baffled" after he was "moved aside" as ITV’s number one footballer commentator.
The 65-year-old broadcaster has been replaced in the role by former Sky Sports News presenter Sam Matterface, but Clive admitted he hadn’t got his head around the decision to relegate him to number two commentator – meaning he won’t be commentating on any "big" England games anymore – despite being told three weeks ago by ITV.
In a video posted on his Twitter account, he said: "If you haven’t seen the announcement I am being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator.
"Quite a few people have been in touch with me asking me to react, to comment. "I’m not sure that would be a very good idea at the moment.
"I was told about three weeks ago, so I have had some time to get my head around the decision, but I haven’t got my head around it.
"To be clear, this is ITV’s decision, not mine, and I’m upset, annoyed, baffled.
"I would have been interested with commentating the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago, but now I won’t be commentating on any of the big England games in the coming year and 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. Already I’ve had the producer of a broadcast that I am working on asking me if I have got any health issues. No, I have got no health issues. Asking me if it is something that I have done. No, there’s nothing.
"I gather that one or two sites are reporting that I’ve been sacked. Well, I guess I have from one job, but I’ve done nothing wrong.
"I’m the same broadcaster, the same person that I’ve always been. Like me or hate me and you’re entitled to do either.
"Like everybody else in football I am a matter of opinion and I totally get that, and I totally respect ITV’s right to change their opinion of me. ITV have been really good for me and yes I’ll carry on as their number two commentator.
"But let me make it quite clear: I have not stepped down. I have been moved, moved aside. I’ve not even thought about winding down towards retirement or anything like that."
While Clive admitted he was "lucky" to still have work, he wanted to explain to fans that he is "really disappointed" about being moved aside, and that he doesn’t know why ITV have made the decision.
He said: "Now listen, there are thousands of people in this country facing up to job losses and disappointment that is far more serious than this. I am a lucky boy, I love my work and I’ve got plenty on, so I’m not making a statement or anything like that.
"This is not a grave matter of state, I’m just trying to explain and tell 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 I miss the Champions League games, and that’s all."
ITV’s Director of Sport Niall Sloane had earlier thanked Clive for his "superb work".
He said: "On behalf of ITV Sport, I would like to thank Clive for his superb work leading our commentary on some of the biggest occasions in world football throughout his outstanding career with us.
"We are very glad he will continue with us and look forward to working with him on many more occasions in the future."