The sports presenter thanked everyone at the Channel 7 show and the Australian public for an incredible career.

Mark Beretta revealed on-air on Thursday that he was leaving Sunrise after 22 years. Picture: Channel 7

Sunrise sport presenter Mark Beretta has announced he’s leaving the morning show after more than two decades. The journalist has delivered the latest sports news to millions of Australians every morning on Channel 7.

But on Thursday morning, he revealed that he is stepping back from his duties. He thanked everyone at the Sunrise team for an incredible 22 years and said it’s been such an amazing journey.

“Working in this job and sport has been my dream,” he said.

“It has given me the most extraordinary experiences and memories… and I will treasure all the many good times and many friendships.

“I’m so proud to been a part of Sunrise and it’s incredibly hard to leave behind the Sunrise family and the show we have all put so much energy into for the last 22 years.

“If you had told me in February 1995 when I walked the doors of Seven Melbourne for my first day that, 30 years later, I would still be doing the job I love, I wouldn’t have believed them.

“It has been an honour and I have loved every day.”

Mark also opened up about how the loss of his father has impacted his decision.

Mark Beretta has announced he’s leaving Sunrise after more than two decades. Picture: Channel 7

“Losing Dad to cancer two months ago, and Mum fighting on against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently,” he said.

“Family time has become even more important.

“And I want to do more to help the great work of Tour de Cure in finding treatments and cures for cancer.”

Mark expressed his appreciation for the support he has had from the Australian public during his tenure.

“From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all of you, our viewers, who have taken me in, treated me like family and been on this incredible fun ride with me,” he said.

Long-time colleague Natalie Barr paid homage to “Beretts” and the time they had spent together on the desk.

“For more than 20 years we have sat together in the Sunrise studio and what a ride it has been,” she said.

“So many amazing memories of the most special job in the world.

“You never quite leave the Sunrise family though… so see you soon Beretts.”

Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, said Mark had been the “heartbeat” of Sunrise’s sports coverage, and that his “passion” for telling peoples’ stories “have made mornings brighter for viewers right across the country”.

Over the course of his time on Sunrise, Beretta covered 13 Olympic Games, including the 2000 Sydney Games, as well as every big sport in the country.