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      Tributes pour in for John Motson as Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher pay respects after ‘voice of football’ passes away

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      THE football world is in mourning after the death of legendary BBC commentator John Motson aged 77.Affectionately known as “Motty”, Motson was the voice of football on the Beeb for many generations.
      John Motson has passed away aged 77Credit: PA:Press Association
      As news of his sad passing circulated this morning, fans of all ages flocked to social media to pay tribute to the great man – whose charisma and feverish excitement helped many fall in love with the beautiful game.
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher led the tributes, writing: “RIP John Motson 💔
      “An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.”
      Match of the Day host Gary Lineker tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died. A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
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      Commentator Clive Tyldesley movingly wrote: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else. Terribly sad.”
      Gary Neville posted: “RIP John Motson.”
      Motty’s commentator pal Martin Tyler said on Sky Sports News: “He was somebody I admired in terms of the profession enormously. His attention to detail was second to none. He was a real example to me.
      “He advised me to ‘talk little, but say a lot’. That says a lot about John. A wonderful career, a great guy away from the microphone and a great sense of humour. He helped me a lot.
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      Motson was the voice of football for many generationsCredit: Getty
      Motty received an award from Roy Hodgson for services to commentary in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “A friend but a rival I suppose as well, but full admiration of him.”
      John Terry added: “RIP John Motson. The voice of football.”
      Comedian David Baddiel tweeted: “John Motson. Oy. Feels impossible: a voice that, at one time, was football. RIP.”
      And Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell also added: “Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.”
      BBC pundit and ex-England striker Chris Sutton tweeted: “Really sad news to hear of the passing of John Motson. He was a legendary figure in the commentary box and will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
      And Alastair Campbell wrote: “So sad to hear Motty has died. The best. One of life’s enthusiasts, a man who loved football with every cell in his body and loved sharing his knowledge and passion with others. RIP.”
      Alan Sugar added: “Sorry to hear that John Motson has died. One of the greatest football commentators ever. RIP Motty”
      While fans were also left devastated.
      One wrote: “RIP to legendary commentator John Motson, an iconic voice of football you will be sorely missed.”
      And a second added: “RIP John Motson. Iconic.”
      A third accurately described him as a “pioneer for football commentary”.
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      While a fourth tweeted: “Rest in Peace John Motson, the voice of football for my generation.”
      Another poignantly wrote: “Such sad news about John Motson. The voice of football. Even the word iconic doesn’t do him justice.”
      Motson dons his iconic sheepskin coatCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      John Motson dead: BBC commentator legend dies aged 77 as stars pay tribute to ‘voice of football’

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      LEGENDARY football commentator John Motson has died aged 77 leaving the world of sport in mourning.The BBC pundit celebrated 50 years in the job in 2018 before hanging up his mic in May that year.
      John Motson has passed awayCredit: Rex
      Motson, who was affectionately known as Motty, later came out of retirement to join talkSPORT.
      The commentator was famed for his signature sheepskin coat as he became the voice of football for countless generations.
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      A statement from his family said: “It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday).”
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      Tributes have flooded in for the legend from the world of football.
      Gary Lineker wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear that John Motson has died.
      “A quite brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations. He’ll be very much missed. RIP Motty.”
      Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “John was the standard-setter for us all.
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      “We basically all looked up to him – his diligence, his dedication, his knowledge. He was a very serious broadcaster but he was a real fun guy to be around.”
      Fellow commentator Clive Tyldesley wrote on Twitter: “As a teenager I just wanted to be John Motson. Nobody else.”
      Jamie Carragher said: “RIP John Motson. An absolute Legend of the game. So many of us grew up listening to this man describe the action & goals on MOTD & cup finals. Sad loss.”
      While former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell wrote: “Rest in Peace John “Motty” Motson an absolute legend and gentleman.”
      In 2014, Motson was diagnosed with bowel cancer and forced to miss the World Cup in Brazil.
      Speaking at the time, he said: “I consider myself very lucky I was diagnosed so early that the cancer was dealt with and the positiveness came about because I wanted to get back into my normal life.
      “That drive and determination was probably the most positive thing I could’ve had.”
      Motson was born in Salford and began his journalistic career in Barnet – the team he supports on the Barnet Press.
      He worked as a reporter between 1963 and 1967 before being hired for BBC Radio 2.
      His first radio commentary was an Everton v Derby clash in December 1969.
      Three years later, Motson became a household name thanks to his work on Match of the Day.
      His breakthrough came during Hereford’s shock 2-1 win against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup replay.
      Motson was only meant to cover the match for a five-minute segment but Ronnie Radford’s famous 30-yard strike meant the clash was promoted to the main game.
      He famously remarked on the game: “Oh what a goal! Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford! And the crowd are on the pitch. What a tremendous shot by Ronnie Radford.”
      It helped propel his career even further – with Motson going on to voice major FA Cup, European Championships and World Cup finals.
      He commentated on almost 2,500 televised games in total including a record-breaking sixth World Cup final in Berlin in 2006 and his 29th FA Cup final in 2008.
      Motson was famed for his often poetic commentary and encyclopaedic football knowledge during his illustrious career.
      His quip at Wimbledon scuppering Liverpool’s chances of the double in 1988 became notorious.
      The legend said: “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.”
      Motson bowed out after 50 years on the final day of the 2017/18 season and was invited on to the pitch.
      Then-Crystal Palace manager Roy presented him with a framed copy of the programme from his first and last matches at Selhurst Park and a crystal microphone.
      He won a Bafta that year for his work and received an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.
      Motson lived in Hertfordshire with his wife Anne, who he married in 1977.
      BBC director-general Tim Davie described Motson as “the voice of a footballing generation”, steering fans “through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day”.
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      He added: “Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.
      “He will rightly be remembered as a legendary figure in British sports broadcasting, respected by those in the game, loved by fans and an inspiration to those who followed him in the commentary box.”
      A final photo of Motson shows him attending a match at Sutton United on February 4Credit: Facebook
      Motson began his career in the 1960sCredit: Getty
      He became known as the voice of footballCredit: Getty
      Motson won a Bafta for his commentating in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      He retired that year after commentating on the final game of the seasonCredit: Stuart Roy Clarke
      Motson was given a standing ovation at his last game in 2018Credit: Rex
      The pundit covered almost 2,500 televised gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Motson was given an OBE for services to sports broadcasting in 2001Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his career, he covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England gamesCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Jian Kayo dead at 21: Tragedy as Brazilian talent’s body found at home as heartbroken club pay tribute

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      AN up and coming Brazilian star has been found dead at his home aged just 21. Jian Kayo, who played for Ituano FC, was confirmed to have been found dead in a heart-breaking club statement.
      Heartbreak in Brazil after Jian Kayo found dead in his homeCredit: Instagram
      The statement read: “With great sadness and dismay, Ituano FC communicates the death of the athlete Jian Kayo Gomes Soares.
      “The body was found lifeless, at his residence, on the night of Saturday the 18th. Goalkeeper Jian Kayo, born in Parana, was 21 years old.
      “He arrived for the Under-20 of Ituano in 2021 and was a starter in the Paulista Championship of that year, a starter in the 2022 Sao Paulo Cup and also in Paulistao of the same year.
      “Promising and of quality, he was promoted to the professional squad for the 2023 season.
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      “We deeply regret this great loss, directing our prayers to him, his family and his friends. Ituano FC is providing all the necessary support and attention to the family, at this time of deep pain.
      “As soon as possible, after approval by the authorities and the family, we will disclose additional information.”
      Kayo was found unresponsive in his home on Saturday evening, with his club playing an emotional game on Sunday as they won 2-0 against Santo Andre.
      The goalkeeper was formerly a part of Sao Paolo’s youth system.
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      They also released a statement, which read: “With great sorrow and dismay, Sao Paulo Football Club regrets the death of goalkeeper Jian Kayo, who passed through the #MadeInCotia base and was at Ituano.
      “Our condolences and solidarity to the family, friends and @ituanofc, wishing you all find strength in this time of pain.”
      Ituano, who play in Brazil’s Serie B, is the former club of Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli. More

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      Amancio Amaro dead at 83: Real Madrid legend and honorary president who won European Cup and nine titles dies

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      REAL MADRID legend Amancio Amaro has died aged 83, the Spanish giants have confirmed.Amancio played for Real Madrid between 1962 and 1976, winning nine LaLiga titles and a European Cup.
      Amancio Amaro was honorary club president at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Amancio played for the Spanish giants between 1962 and 1976Credit: Getty
      He also represented Deportivo La Coruna between 1958 and 1962, in addition to earning 42 Spain caps.
      Nick named El Brujo, meaning The Magician, Amancio played for Madrid during an amazing period of success.
      In a club statement, the LaLiga champions wrote: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Amancio Amaro, honorary president of Real Madrid and one of the great legends of our club and of world football.
      “Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his wife Consuelo, his children Oscar, Belen, Amancio, Patricia, Marcos and Claudia, his brother Juan Carlos, his grandchildren and all his relatives, colleagues and loved ones.”
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      Amancio equalised in the 1966 European Cup final, as Madrid came from behind to beat Partizan Belgrade in Brussels.
      In total, the forward player bagged 155 times in 471 appearances for Real Madrid.
      Amancio helped Spain win the European Championship of 1964, scoring in the semi-final win over Hungary.
      After retiring from playing, Amancio stayed involved at Santiago Bernabeu.
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      He began coaching Madrid’s youth teams, before taking a job as Real Madrid Castilla boss.
      Amancio guided Castilla to the 1984 Segunda title, before taking on the job as first team boss later that year.
      Following a year in charge, he went on to work for Real Madrid as a consultant, board member and honorary president – a position to which he was elected last year.
      Madrid’s statement added: “Amancio Amaro has passed away at the age of 83. He will be remembered by all Madridistas and by all football fans as one of the great legends of this sport.
      “Real Madrid extends its condolences to all Real Madrid fans. Rest in peace.”
      Amancio remained involved at Santiago BernabeuCredit: Getty More

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      Colin Dobson dead aged 82: Tributes pour in as ex-Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday legend passes away

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      FORMER footballer Colin Dobson has died aged 82.The inside-forward had spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield and Brighton, before joining Bristol Rovers as a player-coach.
      Colin Dobson has died aged 82
      Dobson poses in his Sheffield Wednesday kitCredit: Rex
      He also played twice for England U23’s.
      After hanging up his boots Dobson ventured into coaching and managed in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
      Known for his pace and skill, Dobson was a popular figure at all of his clubs during the 1960s and 70s.
      Upon learning of his passing, Bristol Rovers wrote: “We were saddened to learn of the passing of former Rovers player and coach Colin Dobson.”
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      Huddersfield posted on their Twitter account: “All at #htafc are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colin Dobson, who played for the Club between 1966-1972.
      “Our thoughts our with his family, friends and loved ones at this time.
      “Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”
      Fans also took to social media to pay their respects.
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      Dobson excited fans during the 1960s and 70sCredit: Rex
      One wrote: “One of my favourite players. RIP Colin.”
      A second reminisced: “RIP Colin Dobson. Saw him play for Huddersfield at Fratton Park mid 60s.
      “Skilful and hard as nails. Remember some old lady giving him the verbals. Very amusing to us kids at the time.”
      A third tweeted: “RIP Colin Dobson remember Colin so well as a boy going to Bristol Rovers brilliant winger.”
      And another added: “RIP the great Colin Dobson.”
      Turning professional at Sheffield Wednesday in 1957, the Eston-born attacker made 177 league appearances for the Owls, scoring 49 times.
      He moved to Huddersfield for £25,000 in 1966, going on to play 155 times for the Terriers, scoring 50 goals.
      Dobson helped Town win the Second Division title in 1970, having been their top scorer in the prior two seasons.
      He played four games on loan at Brighton in 1972, although his time with the Seagulls was cruelly curtailed by a broken leg.
      His former Wednesday team-mate Don Megson made Dobson his first signing as Bristol Rovers manager later that year.
      He would return from his broken leg injury to debut that November, going on to excel for the club.
      Dobson helped Rovers to promotion in the 1973-74 season – also featuring in an 8-2 victory over former club Brighton along the way.
      He retired in 1976 before launching a managerial career in the 1980s.
      Dobson took charge of Bahraini side West Riffa in 1984 and 1985, before being appointed Al Rayyan boss in Qatar.
      He managed them between 1985 and 1987, later going on to lead Kuwaiti side Al Arabi in 1994-95.
      The coach then took charge of Oman’s Under-17s in 1997.
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      In addition to his coaching work, Dobson also worked extensively as a scout.
      During his time as chief scout at Stoke City, he was credited with unearthing future England keeper Ben Foster, who had been playing for non-league Racing Club Warwick. More

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      Emotional Marcos Alonso pays touching tribute to his dad after scoring against Man Utd for Barcelona

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      EMOTIONAL Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his late father.Alonso’ dad Marcos Alonso Pena, who also played for Barca, tragically passed away aged 63 following a “long illness” last week.
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso opened the scoring against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his fatherCredit: AP
      The former Chelsea man looked emotional after the goalCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea ace Alonso returned to action exactly a week after his loss and was handed a rare start by manager Xavi in the Europa League play-off encounter against United.
      And the versatile defender opened the scoring for the Blaugrana after 50 minutes.
      The Spain international latched onto a fantastic cross from Raphinha, who curled it from a corner-kick down the right.
      The ex-Leeds star found Alonso who headed it past David de Gea at the far post.
      The emotional Spaniard immediately pointed to the sky in dedication to his father during the celebrations.
      The Barcelona ace looked emotional as he celebrated the opening goal of the game.
      Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for Alonso Pena – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
      Ex-Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso. Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
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      The former winger’s ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
      “He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
      Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
      “All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.” More

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      Natalie Curtis dead at 34: Tributes paid to Paralympic hero who was part of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad

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      NINTCHDBPICT000795388100Credit: FacebookFORMER Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34.
      The Australian was a member of her country’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics.
      Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34Credit: Facebook
      She was was a member of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo ParalympicsCredit: Facebook
      Curtis, who was the mother of one young son, died on February 5 but her cause of death has not been made public knowledge.
      Her sister, Emma, announced the shocking news on Facebook.
      She wrote: “If you knew Natalie, you would know she was the most beautiful, kind and talented person.
      “She was a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a mother to a beautiful little boy.
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      “Everyone who knew her loved her instantly, she had such a kind soul and would do anything for the people she cared for most.”
      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
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      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
      Curtis would go on to represent Australia in wheelchair basketball as she became a huge name as an avid disability activist.
      She went viral online in October after revealing how she was forced to crawl off a plane when Jetstar staff couldn’t provide her with a wheelchair.
      The much-loved star, who suffered five spinal fractures following a car accident after returning from the Japan Oceania Championships in 2013, also trained and coached a wheelchair basketball team.
      Not-for-profit organisation Sporting Dreams paid tribute to Curtis in a statement.
      They wrote: “A young soul taken too soon. She was so much more than an athlete.
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      “A vibrant human being, wife, mother to a small boy, business founder and manager of her own company supporting people with disabilities.
      “Someone who leads by example. RIP Natalie.”
      A host of tributes have been made following the shock newsCredit: Facebook More

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      Marcos Alonso Pena dead at 63: Dad of ex-Chelsea star who played for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid passes away

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      FORMER Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso Pena has tragically passed away aged 63.Spanish media reported the winger – the father of Chelsea legend Marcos Alonso – passed away following a “long illness.”
      Former Atletico Madrid and Spain star Marcus Alonso Pena has passed away 63
      The late Alonso Pena is the father of former Chelsea defender Marcos AlonsoCredit: GETTY
      The cause of Alonso Pena’s tragic passing is currently unknown.
      Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for the Spaniard – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
      Ex-Atletico star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso.
      “Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
      His ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
      “He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
      Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
      “All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.”
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      Alonso Pena started his career with Racing Santander in the late 70s before moving to Atletico Madrid.
      He then joined Barcelona, where he went on to play 124 matches and score 28 goals over five years.
      The Spanish winger then returned to Atletico and Santander later in his career, before retiring in 1991.
      The late Alonso also made 22 appearances for Spain at international level, scoring once.
      ALONSO DYNASTYGRANDFATHER – Marquitos, full name Marcos Alonso Imaz
      First of his two caps for Spain came in March 1955 against France.
      A versatile defender, he won five European Cups in his eight years with Real Madrid.
      FATHER – Marcos, full name Marcos Alonso Pena 
      Made his Spain debut against England in March 1981 and won 22 caps for his country, finishing runner-up at Euro ’84.
      Won La Liga with Barcelona in 1984-85 under Terry Venables.
      SON – Marcos Alonso, full name Marcos Alonso Mendoza 
      Made the first of his nine Spain caps against Argentina in March 2018.
      Has played for the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and Club World Cup with the Blues.

      He went on to have a managerial career after hanging up his boots.
      He took charge of his beloved Atletico and Racing, along with Sevilla and five other clubs.
      Alonso Pena was a second-generation Spanish footballer as his dad – Marcos Alonso Imaz – played for Real Madrid in the 1950s and 1960s.
      His son – Marcos Alonso Mendoza – has also enjoyed a storied career, playing for Bolton, Fiorentina, Chelsea and Barcelona.
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      Alonso Mendoza enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Chelsea – winning the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League.
      He joined Barca last summer after mutually terminating his contract at Stamford Bridge.
      Marcos Alonso Mendoza is a third-generation footballerCredit: GETTY More