Footy journalist Mark Robinson has announced his retired today after four decades in journalism, finishing up as chief football reporter at the Herald Sun.

Robinson was well known as a co-host of Fox Footy’s AFL 360 alongside fellow journalist Gerard Whateley, and regular commentator on 3AW Football Matt Granland admitted he was “surprised” to hear the news this afternoon.

“He is a polarising figure, there’s no doubt about that,” Granland said on 3AW’s Wide World of Sports.

Press PLAY to hear his full reaction (including what Robbo was like as a person)

Image (Robinson): Scott Barbour/Getty