Tributes have poured in for Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling following his final Soccer Saturday show.

The 68-year-old marked his departure with an emotional farewell.

Following a celebratory montage and round of applause at the end of Sunday’s Soccer Special programme, Stelling joked: “Thanks for the applause. I mean this is tricky because I’ve changed my mind.”

Stelling paid tribute to all those who work on the show, including the call centre staff, runners, production crew and commentators.

He said: “It’s a team game.”

Stelling said his time at Sky had been “absolutely wonderful”.

He added: “It’s been the best job that anybody could possibly wish for.

Luton Town: What is next for Kenilworth Road, one of the Premier League’s smallest stadiums?

Leicester City and Leeds United relegated from Premier League as Everton survive on dramatic final day

Luton Town captain who collapsed on pitch gives update on condition after celebrating from hospital bed

“My wife Lizzie takes great pleasure in saying ‘you’re the luckiest man ever to take a breath’. And you know what, I don’t tell her this often but she’s right.”

Stelling ended the show by paying tribute to the viewers for their incredible support.

Stelling last month announced his intention to step down after more than 30 years at Sky and 25 years at the helm of the flagship football results show.

He said it was the “right time” to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from his “relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals”.

Well-wishers took to social media to pay tribute.

Son Robbie posted: “Well done dad, so proud of you.

“You’ve put your heart and soul into the show and have no doubt left a mark on more than just the world of football.

“As a father and broadcaster, you have taught me so much about football and life.

“You are the best there has ever been.”

Piers Morgan tweeted: “Very few people get to leave a long-running job in TV whilst still at the absolute peak of their powers – but Jeff Stelling just did it.

“Thanks for all the fun, excitement, entertainment and incredible professionalism, Jeff – you’ll be greatly missed.”

Former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes tweeted: “Jeff Stelling… Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life. You have never worked. You are The Goat. Respect. Enjoy the next chapter.”

LBC presenter Iain Dale thanked Stelling for “hours and hours of tremendous sports broadcasting”.

He added: “Few people should ever be described as ‘total legends’ but Jeff really is one. Every football fan’s best friend.”

FootballJOE posted: “Twenty-five years of some of the best laughs on telly. Thanks for being the voice and face of football on a Saturday.”

Hartlepool United wished fan Stelling “all the best”, adding: “Our local hero.”

FC Halifax Town joked: “All the best in your retirement. You’re always welcome to Halifax vs Hartlepool next season, we will try not to call it off twice this time.”

NFL UK said “congrats on an incredible stint”, declaring: “You’ll be missed from our screens.”

On Friday, Prostate Cancer UK thanked Stelling for wearing the charity’s badge for the past eight seasons.

A spokesperson added: “You have shared our message to millions of football fans, many of whom have been at risk of prostate cancer.”

Stelling’s charity football march for Prostate Cancer UK will take place this September.

TV presenter Chris Kamara also posted an early tribute, describing Stelling as the “best broadcaster” he has ever met.

In the post on Thursday, he said: “I am getting my tribute in early because Jeff has been a massive part of my life and I love him to bits.

“One of the things I do miss is working with the maestro. There will never be another. You are ‘Unbelievable Jeff’ – and always will be.”

Stelling joined Sky in 1992. He was also the main host for the broadcaster’s live Champions League coverage between 2011 and 2015.

He previously announced plans to leave Soccer Saturday at the end of the 2021/22 campaign but stayed for another season.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football, previously said: “Jeff has been synonymous with Saturday afternoon football for decades, exciting and enthusing football fans everywhere.

“His unique broadcasting ability and passion for the game has made Soccer Saturday an unmissable fixture for fans and has won him a multitude of awards.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Related posts:

Outdoor socialising restrictions relaxed in Scotland – here’s what’s allowed from today Rapper who called himself ‘Masked Menace’ found guilty of plotting terror attack in lockdown Two-year-old girl dies after falling from pony during hunt meeting Man jailed for raping and robbing two men he met on dating app More than 1,000 big cats, turtles and birds seized as part of worldwide trafficking investigation Estimated 1.3 million people in UK suffering from long COVID, ONS figures show British embassy security guard suspected of being Russian spy pleads not guilty to nine charges William and Kate share tips on how to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’ in radio message to millions New Met Police chief says he would be ‘happy’ for his daughters to walk around London at night Zelenskyy cheered during historic UK address as he says ‘freedom will win’ Weather warnings issued for thunderstorms after UK records hottest day of year so far ‘Very angry’ anti-monarchy protesters demand inquiry over arrests