Jamie Carragher will join Sky Sports as a pundit for their football coverage next season in what promises to be a lively affair alongside the revered Gary Neville.
Carragher, who has appeared as a pundit for televised Sky games before and guested on one of their Gillette Soccer Specials, is retiring next month after 16 years with Liverpool.
It was predicted when the 35-year-old made the announcement in February he would join Sky, who have quietly improved their coverage following the departures of Richard Keys and Andy Gray, who made sexist comments two years ago.
A sight to appease Liverpool fans
Carragher said: “I watch Sky Sports all the time and I’m a huge fan. I can’t wait to be part of their coverage and work with the best in the business. What Sky has done for football for over 20 years is incredible and I’m thrilled to be part of their exciting plans for next season.”
He continued: “I don’t think there could be a better move for me: to retire from one of the world’s best football clubs at the end of the season and then join one of the world’s best broadcasters. Until that time comes, I’ll remain fully focussed on my remaining playing career with Liverpool and I’m looking forward to ending the season with good results."
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher getting friendly in 2010
Ed Chamberlain replaced Keys as Sky's chief football anchor in 2011 while Neville, who also joined Sky in the same year he retired, has emerged as the finest pundit on television.
Neville said Carragher was a "very good addition" who will offer "no b******t and knows the game".
Signing Carragher represents another coup for Sky, who will be sharing coverage of the Barclays Premier League next season with newcomers BT, who have signed up Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make appearances.
The BBC, whose flagship Match of the Day show continues to receive criticism, are likely to recruit Michael Owen, who has proven unpopular with viewers during his appearances this campaign.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher
Carragher, a boyhood Evertonian, spent his entire playing career with Liverpool and in 734 appearances for the clubwon the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
He is only the second player to reach the landmark of 500 Premier League appearances for one club and is Liverpool’s longest serving player.