Former TMS commentator Blofeld moving to Menorca because London is ‘horribly violent’

After raising his bat and calling time on his famous commentating career at the end of last summer the inimitable Henry Blofeld is now heading for sunnier climes at the end of the year to move to Menorca with his wife, Valeria

^{Henry Blofeld is moving to Menorca because London is "horribly violent"}

Legendary cricket commentator Henry Blofeld is swapping Chelsea for Menorca after becoming worried by "horribly violent" London.

After raising his bat and calling time on his famous commentating career at the end of last summer Blofeld is now heading for sunnier climes at the end of the year to move to the Mediterranean island with his wife, Valeria.

Upping sticks like this is a big move but Blofeld feels it necessary because of what he believes his home city has become.

He told The Telegraph: "I shan't have a house in London, though. I don't like it any more. I think it's become – not exactly dangerous – but it is horribly violent, isn't it?

"I had a friend who was knifed from one of those mopeds, and you don't see too many Englishmen where I live.

"I think London has lost its village atmosphere and charm. Besides, I don't really use it at my age, anyway, so I'd rather not pay through the nose."

The 78-year-old was a fixture on BBC’s Test Match Special, a cricketing institution for so many people, for 45 years.

After hanging up the microphone last year, receiving a standing ovation at Lord’s as he did so, Blofeld has kept himself busy, going on a one-man speaking tour as well as working for Classic FM and, curiously, helping on a Silicon Valley app.

Now, though, the man known for his offbeat references and resplendent outfits has said he is seeking something new by moving abroad: “I've sort of become a bit bored of Chelsea after 60 years, though I'll be back a lot."

So, why Menorca?

"I've been going for years. It suits fine – the climate, the friends, and there's a marvellous little cricket club."