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

JEFF STELLING bid an emotional farewell to Soccer Saturday after more than 25 years of service - but managed to hold off the tears.

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

And as the Premier League came to a close on the final day, so did Stelling's time at the 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 joked "Thanks for the applause. But this is tricky because I've changed my mind."

He went on: "It's fantastic to see the people we've all worked with over the years. The likes of Alan Mullery and Clive Allen as well as all of the old gang.

"I've had some fantastic messages - Gordon Strachan texted me this morning, Neil Warnock, Kammy [Chris Kamara] of course.

"Elton John rang me this week. I was starstruck when Elton John rang me at home to say thank you so much for all you've done.

"And he said: 'Every week you tell me Watford are losing, and every week you tell me Hartlepool are losing so I feel like we're kindred spirits'.

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"It's a team game, right from the people in the call centres who take your calls 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.

"It's not just on this show, I just want to mention the people on the winning post, the horse racing paper I worked on for many years.

"Times of Our Lives which I adored doing. 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 managed to avoid the tears after breaking down 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 incredible knowledge, 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 Kamara after the reporter missed a red card in a match between Portsmouth and Blackburn.

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

Nicholas said: "I'm often asked the question - if you were stuck on a desert island who would you take with you out of all the lads? And my answer is, without doubt, Thommo! [Phil Thompson]. All the best mate!"

Kammy said: "Simply the best broadcaster ever! I love you like a brother. The only last thing to say is - you are unbelievable Jeff!"

Sun columnist Piers Morgan also paid tribute saying: "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 &; incredible professionalism, Jeff - you’ll be greatly missed. 👏👏👏👏"

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."