Former BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas has admitted to sending “inappropriate messages” to women after being dismissed by the broadcaster. The former footballer, who was a pundit on Match of the Day and co-host of The One Show, saw his contract terminated following allegations about his behaviour.

Jenas, 41, insisted that “nothing physical ever happened” but confessed to “cheating” on his wife through the messages. “I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said,” Jenas said. This is all on me, and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC.

Jenas acknowledged that the messages were exchanged with “two consenting adults” and that in one case, the woman involved “made it clear she was interested.” However, he apologised to his family, friends, and colleagues, stating, “I have let myself down, my family, friends, and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology—especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.”

The married father-of-four admitted that he has a “self-destructive streak” and recognized that he needs help to address his issues. I think it would be fair to say I have a problem,” he said. I know I self-sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.”

Jenas revealed that he had already sought medical advice before the claims against him emerged and had started therapy to address his behaviour. “I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard,” he added.

Jenas’ admission comes as he seeks to take responsibility for his actions and rebuild his personal life amid the fallout from his dismissal by the BBC.