Gary Neville leaves Sky Sports after landing Valencia job

The former Manchester United man said the broadcaster "fully supported" his decision following his instalment at the Liga club until the end of the season.

Despite his spiky nature and confrontational relationship with rival players and fans during his playing career, Neville has been lauded for his TV analysis, carving out a reputation as the country's best football pundit.

He struck up an unlikely on-screen rapport on Monday Night Football with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who reacted to Neville's departure in typically dry fashion.

Neville said: "Sky has probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made, simply an incredible job that I have loved doing.

"The team that I have worked with on match days and MNF have been simply unbelievable, their knowledge of the game, their passion, their work ethos has made me love football more.

"It has been no surprise that they have fully supported and understood the decision that I have made to go to Valencia for the next five months."

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: "The door will always be open should he wish to return.”

Neville will continue his role as part of Roy Hodgson's England coaching team, and bookmakers have slashed his odds to replace Hodgson after Euro 2016.

It is almost unheard of for a pundit's departure to be genuinely mourned, but Neville won critics over with high-quality analysis and a surprisingly engaging personality. His exit is a genuine loss for football fans and a significant blow for Sky in their battle for supremacy with BT Sport.

Thierry Henry is set to join Carragher on Monday Night Football - and while the Frenchman greatly surpassed Neville on the pitch, he will almost certainly struggle to live up to his predecessor in the studio.

Meanwhile, ex-Sky anchor Richard Keys could not resist a dig at his former employers, saying he was "delighted" Neville had taken on "a proper challenge".