Jeff Stelling has joked he couldn't quit Sky Sports Soccer Saturday until Paul Merson had mastered Allan Saint-Maximin's pronunciation. The Hartlepool United fan had announced plans to leave the programme at the start of the season, but has since had a change of heart.
Stelling will stay on until at least the end of the 2022/23 season, after more than 30 years with the company. "Sky Sports is my home, and the Soccer Saturday team are a big part of my life," he told Sky Sports.
"As the end of the season approached, and I was preparing to say goodbye, I realised that I was not ready to blow the final whistle and leave the best job in the world. I am thrilled to be staying, and excited about moving the show forward and creating more special Saturday afternoons on Sky Sports."
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Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports said: "Football fans everywhere will be delighted that Jeff will continue to host Soccer Saturday. He is a massive part of Saturday afternoon life and everyone at Sky Sports shares the joy this news will bring.
There has been an outpouring of support for Stelling's decision to continue presenting the show. Thanking fans he poked fun at fellow pundit Merson.
Stelling tweeted: "Thanks to everyone for their kind words about my decision to carry on presenting @GilletteSoccerS. Felt job wasn’t complete until Merse [Paul Merson] finally masters pronouncing Allan Saint-Maximin properly!!"
