Bob Ley’s break from ESPN will be permanent.

Ley, an institution at the network, announced on Wednesday morning that he would be retiring from ESPN.

“Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN in 1979. Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other,” Ley tweeted. “Now, it is time for a change. I will be retiring from ESPN, as of the end of the month. To be clear, this is entirely my decision. I enjoy the best of health and the many blessings of friends and family, and it is in that context that I’m making this change.”

Ley, 64, was the most established and trusted voice at the network, and started three days after the network launched. He has long hosted “Outside the Lines,” the investigative news show that covered the most significant subjects in sports. He had also become the face of ESPN’s soccer coverage.

Ley initially announced a six-month sabbatical in August to “re-charge.”

“To (ESPN president) Jimmy Pitaro and his senior leadership team, my sincere personal thanks for their understanding and patience over the past months,” Ley wrote. “Through the decades, and my innumerable experiences at ESPN, I have built many deep and fulfilling friendships. You know who you are. I hope you also know how much you mean to me. We have shared an American story unlike any other. And we will continue to do so in the years ahead.

“I have been gifted by our viewers and consumers with a precious commodity — your trust. To be invited into your homes was a privilege I never took for granted, one I worked each day to uphold. Thank you for that. In September, I signed off my last show saying, ‘I’ll catch you on the flip side.’ Now it’s time to take that vinyl off the turntable (ask your folks), flip it over, and drop the needle on the B-side. There are always great cuts, and hidden gems on the B-side.

“Thank you for a great run.”