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 soccer administration.

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

He gained a fame as a straight-talking pundit, who typically clashed with fellow studio visitors, and admits he “owes a hundred apologies” to these he had offended or mentioned harsh issues to throughout his years on air.

The former Liverpool, Rangers and Scotland midfielder mentioned 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 used to be given a possibility to do that and it has been magnificent.

“It has simply been essentially the most unbelievable time for me.

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

“But in Sky’s arms it is in secure arms.”

Souness defined punditry had allowed him to proceed to benefit from 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 ceaselessly, I’ve obtained numerous issues developing. It has been nice, so thanks to everybody.”

Souness turns into the second high-profile character to go away Sky Sports this week, after Jeff Stelling announced his retirement from internet hosting Soccer Saturday.