Karl Stefanovic’s farewell message has reportedly sparked frustration inside Nine, with colleagues furious after the TV presenter declared himself “free” in a video on social media after he sensationally left the network.

The former Today host broke his silence just hours after Nine confirmed he would leave the network effective immediately, posting a casual video in which he thanked viewers before telling supporters he was now “free” and “truly independent.

“Hey guys, some week huh, so I’m free, truly independent,” he said in the video.

“I didn’t get the chance to thank my free-to-air audience for 21 great years, so thank you for riding the ups and downs, you have my thanks and you have all of my love.

“To my audience on this show, thank you for your messages over the last couple of days, it has really meant everything to me.”

The television veteran admitted the past few days had been difficult but insisted he was looking ahead.

“It wasn’t easy this last couple of days, but we roll on.”

He also singled out Today co-host Sarah Abo during a heartfelt message to his ex-colleagues.

“To my colleagues, I’ll ring you privately. But Sars (Sarah Abo), look after everyone for me. I know they will miss me desperately.”

But according to the Daily Telegraph, the timing of the video left some of his former colleagues miffed, with a Nine insider saying it undermined the emotional farewell that was unfolding live on air.

“What was he thinking releasing that video while the show was still on air,” the leading Nine figure reportedly said.

“He doesn’t really thank all the people who kept him afloat and does a yipee. I’m stunned he would do that.

“He’s free and we’re f...ed.”

The video came just hours after Nine announced Stefanovic would leave the network immediately, bringing forward his previously planned departure following controversy surrounding his independent podcast.

In a statement released shortly afterwards, Nine said the pair had mutually agreed it was no longer workable for Stefanovic to continue hosting the breakfast program while producing his independent podcast.

“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast,” the statement read.

“While Karl and Nine had previously agreed he would leave Today at the end of this year, they have subsequently decided he will leave the network immediately.”

Stefanovic’s departure follows intense scrutiny over his interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, which triggered widespread backlash and sparked questions about his future with the network.

Former co-host Sarah Abo fought back tears as she announced Karl Stefanovic’s departure from the Today show on Friday morning.

“Karl will not be returning to the Today show or to Nine,” she told viewers.