Graeme Souness to leave Sky Sports after 'magnificent' 15 years

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness is to step down after 15 years.

The 69-year-old joined the broadcaster in 2008 after 22 years in football management.

He announced his departure to Sky Sports viewers after Liverpool's 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

He gained a reputation as a straight-talking pundit, who often clashed with fellow studio guests, and admits he "owes a hundred apologies" to those he had offended or said harsh things to during his years on air.

The former Liverpool, Rangers and Scotland midfielder said on Sunday: "I have to say, for me I decided that football management wasn't for me anymore. I had totally the wrong temperament for it and personality.

"I was given an opportunity to do this and it has been magnificent.

"It has just been the most fantastic time for me.

"I love football and I care for it and I worry about it going forward.

"But in Sky's hands it's in safe hands."

Souness explained punditry had allowed him to continue to enjoy the "buzz of live football".

He added: "I think people at home want to see us not always agree, but it has been great and I am amongst friends.

"Nothing goes on forever, I have got lots of things coming up. It has been great, so thank you to everyone."

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