Jerome Valcke has disclosed he will step down as Fifa secretary general in February when Sepp Blatter hands over the presidency.

Valcke, who also said he has no responsibility for the corruption crisis, accepted that Blatter’s successor will want to appoint their own person.

He told a news conference in St Petersburg: “Whoever becomes the new Fifa president should have a new secretary general — it is the most important relationship for any organisation.

“As the head of the administration I can be proud of what Fifa’s administration has done and the administration has never been part of any of the stories about Fifa.

“Am I responsible for what has happened? I am not really involved and have anything to do with this case. The task of the secretary general is to implement the decisions coming from the congress and Fifa executive committee.”

Valcke also said Russia’s preparations were “way on track”, unlike in Brazil where he sparked a furious reaction in 2012 by saying organisers needed a “kick up the ass”.

“I’m not sure saying that in Russia will have the same impact, the same reaction,” he said.

“Russia is really way on track and I have no concern. The next secretary general should be happy as we have a well-organised World Cup.”