For many he was the voice of football – having a profound effect on those who enjoyed, grew up and worked in the sport.
During his distinguished career with the BBC, Motson, who has died aged 77, commentated on 29 FA Cup finals as well as 10 World Cups and hundreds of unforgettable moments.
From the Crazy Gang to Ronnie Radford’s rocket and the voice for millions on the FIFA game series, we back at some of those quotes which helped write ‘Motty’ into football folklore.
5. Argentina 2-0 Belgium covering a Diego masterclass
“Maradona. Going at them again. Brilliant run, fantastic goal! Unbelievable!" - Argentina 2-0 Belgium (World Cup semi-final 25/6/1986) Photo: PA Images
6. Gazza's tears - "Oh dear. Oh dear me. He’s [Paul Gascoigne] going to be out of the final, if England get there. Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes."
West Germany 1-1 England (World Cup semi-finals 4/6/1990) Motson felt Paul Gascoigne was the most “outstanding English player” he had seen and was there to commentate on one of the defining moments of the midfielder’s international career. Gascoigne had produced some mesmerising performances to help drive Bobby Robson’s men on through the knockout stages of the 1990 World Cup and to the semi-finals against West Germany in Turin which they would go on to lose. After being shown a yellow card for a challenge on Thomas Berthold, so ruling him out of the final should England have progressed, Gascoigne could not hold back his tears. Photo: Dominic Lipinski
7. "Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!" Zidane's red card in the 2006 World Cup Final
Motson captured the shock and awe that many felt when the star of the French team and arguable the tournament Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi, with Zizou being sent off. Motson said "And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket. He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that, Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!” Photo: Myung Jung Kim
8. Germany 1 England 5
Motson was iconic for his commentary on England matches, and it would be remiss to not include some of his iconic international moments in a tribute. When England decimated Germany in a game on German soil, his commentary became iconic "Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!" Photo: Martin Rickett