Legendary sports panelist and journalist Eamon Dunphy is retiring from RTÉ, revealed RTÉ Sport today.

After four decades of analysis as a senior soccer panellist for the network, Dunphy will be leaving to focus on his current affairs podcast The Stand.

Posting on Twitter, Dunphy revealed that two years ago he decided not renew his contract, telling RTÉ he would be leaving after the World Cup.

In the Twitter posts, available to read below, Dunphy also wished the network the best for the future.

(1/2) Two years ago, I decided not to renew my contract with RTÉ Sport. At the time, they prevailed upon me to stay and, in fact, offered me a rise, a small one, to do so. However, before the World Cup I told them this time, I would be leaving.

— The Stand (@Dunphy_Official) July 25, 2018

(2/2) I intend to focus on my podcast The Stand which is flourishing and has had over 2.3 million listens since we started. That’s where my energy will now be devoted.

In my 40 years with RTÉ, I made many good friends and I wish them the very best for the future.

— The Stand (@Dunphy_Official) July 25, 2018

RTÉ's Head of Sport Declan McBennett said in a statement: "We would like to thank Eamon for the immense contribution he has made to our sporting coverage across four decades. He was there for every key moment throughout that time as we were gripped by the exploits of our international side in particular. His insight and analysis informed, enthralled and entertained a nation. Eamon has now decided to pursue other avenues and we wish him every success in those ventures."