01 May 2023 , 11:41
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Graeme Souness has opened up about his Sky Sports exit after the Liverpool legend announced he would be leaving his role as a pundit with the broadcaster.
Souness bid an emotional farewell after Liverpool's dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday when it was revealed the game would be his last for Sky. The Scotsman worked for the broadcaster for over 15 years and struggled to hold back tears in the studio.
However, while he is stepping away from his role with Sky, Souness says he is "still very much open for business" and that he still has "a lot to offer" as a pundit.
In a column for the Daily Mail, Souness wrote: "A second career in television meant a life in the game was still very much there for me. The business of going to live matches and working from them in a journalistic capacity has been a privilege.
"I didn't always agree with those I shared a studio with but punditry is all about having your view on football and not always agreeing with everyone. I made some great friends along the way and one of the reasons I have relished the work so much is that it has got me out of my comfort zone on a regular basis.
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"It meant a lot that my last game for Sky was at Liverpool, the club I hold so dear. I will be 70 on Saturday and I'm still very much open for business. My passion for football is undimmed and I certainly still feel I have a lot to offer."
Souness (C) has worked as a pundit for Sky Sports for over 15 years (Ben Radford/Corbis via Getty Images)Fellow Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher led the tributes to Souness after his announcement, tweeting: "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."
Ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch added: "What a game that was today and what a man Greame Souness is. Had the privilege to meet him a few times and loved his company. I also forgive him for hammering me when he caught me doing Pilates on holiday".
While Jamie Redknapp 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."