John Giles to leave role as RTÉ pundit after Euro 2016

John Giles has confirmed he is to leave his role as a pundit with RTÉ after this summer's European Championships in France.

However, the 75-year-old former Manchester United and Leeds United midfielder said he does not intend to retire when the tournament is over.

In a statement to The Herald, where he is a columnist, he said: “I’ve been approached recently about my position with RTÉ after the Euros and I want to clear up any speculation.

“In my negotiations with RTÉ head of sport Ryle Nugent last year, he made it clear to me that this was to be the final year of my full-time engagement with RTÉ.

“He said that this was designed to allow him to continue the requirement to plan and prepare for the future.

“This was perfectly understandable to me and I signed the contract which finishes after the Euro 2016 final in France in good faith.

“But I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m not retiring or even thinking about it.”

Giles said he had enjoyed an “amazing time working with Eamon, Liam and the late Bill O’Herlihy for many years and some fantastic memories.

“I’ll maintain a close relationship with Eamon and Liam and hopefully this summer will give us a new set of wonderful moments to add to the archive.”

Giles’s departure from RTÉ ends his 30-year association with the broadcaster. He took on the role after retiring from football management in 1985.