Graeme Souness fought back tears after announcing live on air that he is standing down from his role as a Sky Sports broadcaster.
The Liverpool legend has been an analyst for the broadcaster for over 15 years but will leave when his contract expires. Host Kelly Cates confirmed the news on Sunday after Liverpool's dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham as Souness held back tears in the studio, The Mirror reported.
A montage was played of the Scotsman's best clips throughout the years before he was treated to an impromptu round of applause by the team working on the show including Cates, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Keane.
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A choked up Souness said: “I’m going to miss you guys, the guys behind the scenes, our make-up girl, I’ll miss you all. You know, for me, I decided that football management wasn’t for me any more. I had the wrong temperament for it, the wrong personality.
“And then I was given the opportunity to do this and it’s been magnificent. It’s just been the most fantastic time for me, because I love football, I care about football and I worry about it going forward."
He said the broadcaster is in "safe hands" after commending the detail involved in the Premier League.
He added: “But for me personally, I’ve got the buzz of live football coming to some fantastic games and some fantastic stadiums and some great events. I think I owe 100 apologies to people, but we haven’t got time for that."
The former manager said his time has really been great, adding that "nothing goes on forever" and that he will be with friends and family.
He is also involved in his DEBRA charity and on May 27, he will announce the challenge he is getting involved in.
“But it’s been great so thank you to everyone.”
Redknapp then chimed in as Souness got emotional. He said: “On behalf of everyone at Sky Sports, you were a legend as a player and for me, you gave me my start and just to be working with you every day, coming to work with your enthusiasm and love for the game… you were a great player, great manager and a great pundit.
“It’s been a pleasure. You probably should have sat on the fence a bit more!”
Cates said after: “From the days of you pushing me around Liverpool in my pram to sitting here tonight - if you ever need anyone to return the favour, you know where I am.”
Jamie Carragher praised the Scotsman, taking to social media to say: “Graeme Souness was one of the greatest players this country has ever seen, the same goes for him as a pundit!
“I’ve never seen anyone else have his authority in a studio, you’ll be missed Souey.”
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