As the final whistle is blown in Vienna to signal Spain's well-deserved victory over Germany as European Football Champions, their first Spanish success in a major final since before England won the World Cup, brilliant veteran commentator John Motson finally delivers his pre-prepared classic line:The Senors have become the Seniors...Quality Mottie. Quality.
Sadly, tonight's game was Motty's final big-match commentary after more than three decades at the top.
I'm not a footie fanatic, and I know he's famed for his gaffes, my all time favourites being:
it's Arsenal 0, Everton 1, and the longer it stays like that, the more you've got to fancy Everton.and
for those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all yellow strip.The Daily Mail devoted a full-page to these and others earlier in the week.
Great fun. But whatever they may say, for me, Motty's meticulous research, infectious excitement, and natural charm made even the dullest match worth watching.
A true professional. Thanks Motty.
