Jeff Stelling hides emotions behind mask as he’s given standing ovation during touching tribute on last Soccer Saturday

JEFF STELLING emotionally bid farewell to Soccer Saturday after more than 25 years of service.

The presenter in April revealed he was retiring from his role on the popular football show.

Jeff Stelling bid farewell in his final appearance on Soccer Saturday

Sky Sports paid tribute with some of Stelling’s best moments

Stelling built a reputation for his passionate support of Hartlepool

The presenter had a silly side which viewers adored

Several former colleagues including Chris Kamara paid tribute

Current pundit Paul Merson also shared his love for his pal

And as the Premier League came to a close on the final day, so did Stelling‘s helm on Soccer Saturday.

He revealed how proud he was to work on Soccer Saturday over the years and thanked his former colleagues, as well as the fans for watching over the years.

The legendary presenter also paid tribute to his current colleagues Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Kris Boyd and Michael Dawson after they gave him a standing ovation.

Stelling said: “Thanks for the applause. But this is tricky because I’ve changed my mind.

“It’s fantastic to see the people we’ve all worked with over the years. I’ve had some fantastic messages, Gordon Strachan, Neil Warnock, Kammy [Chris Kamara] of course.

“Elton John rang me this week. I was starstruck when Elton John rang me at home. He said ‘I feel like we’re kindred spirits’.

“It’s a team game, right from the people in the call centre to the runners, the production team, the people behind the cameras.

“Everyone I’ve worked with over the past 30 years I’d like to thank you for that.

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“The live snooker, darts, greyhound racing, pool. It’s been absolutely wonderful. It’s been the best job anyone could wish for.

“The principal success is you lot at home. Soccer Saturday will be back and I’ll be watching – when Hartlepool are not playing.”

Stelling was tearful during his penultimate appearance on the show last week while discussing the dangers of eating disorders.

The 68-year-old has been a fan favourite thanks to his witty banter and passionate support of Hartlepool United.

But he has also not been afraid to tackle difficult subject matter and has raised a lot of awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

Sky Sports played a compilation of Stelling’s best moments over the years, from celebrating in a Hartlepool shirt to his iconic rant about the brilliance of Middlesbrough, and of course his famous exchange with Chris Kamara after the reporter missed a red card in a match between Portsmouth and Blackburn.

Many of his current and former colleagues, including Merson and Charlie Nicholas, sent in video messages sharing their love for the presenter.

Stelling has worked with greats of the game from George Best to Matt Le Tissier.

His son Robbie tweeted: “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.”