Graeme Souness to end his 15-year career as a Sky Sports pundit

Graeme Souness is leaving his role as a pundit on Sky Sports after 15 years.

The 69-year-old joined the broadcaster in 2008 after a 22-year management career, but announced his departure on air after Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

He earned a reputation as a straight-talking pundit, often clashing with other studio guests and admits he “owes a hundred apologies.”

The former Liverpool, Rangers and Scotland midfielder told the network’s Super Sunday programme: “I have to say, for me, I decided that football management was not for me anymore. He totally had the wrong temperament and personality for it.

“They gave me the opportunity to do this and it has been magnificent. It’s just been the most fantastic time for me. I love football, I care and I am concerned that it will continue.

“But in the hands of Sky it is in good hands and I think over the years we have dealt with the Premier League in great detail and I think we take very good care of football.

“For me personally, I get the buzz from live football, going to some fantastic games and some fantastic stadiums and witnessing some great events.

“I think I owe him a hundred apologies, but I don’t have time for that and say that I may have said some harsh things.

“I think that people at home want to see us not always agree, but it has been great and I am among friends.

“Nothing lasts forever, I have many things to come. It’s been great, so thank you all.”

Souness becomes the second high-profile personality to leave Sky Sports this week, after Jeff Stelling announced his retirement as host of Soccer Saturday.