Despite behind-the-scenes drama with Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan sang his Live With Kelly and Michael co-host's praises on Good Morning America on Thursday.

The TV personality's appearance comes two days after the surprising announcement that he would be leaving Live With Kelly and Michael for GMA.

On the morning show, the 44-year-old former athlete had nothing but kind words for Ripa, despite her no-show yesterday and today. Strahan told GMA cohosts Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Lara Spencer, "I'm going to miss everybody at Live. I've been sitting next to Kelly every day and having a lot of fun on that show the last four years." He also added, I'm very thankful to her because I've learned so much from her and Michael Gelman."

Clearly hoping to smooth things over with his reportedly angry co-host, Strahan continued, "[They] showed me the ropes. I was so new to all of this and if it weren't for her and if it weren't for Michael Gelman and the staff there that really boosted me up and made me look a lot better than I really am, then I never would have had a chance to be here."

Strahan said, "I'm grateful that I'm here. We're on the same network. I'm just right over here a little bit earlier now. But we are on the same team, the same family, the same network."

On Tuesday, ABC announced that the ex NFL player would be leaving Live to be on GMA full-time; He currently appears on the show two days a week.

Ripa was reportedly unaware of the big move and found out just minutes before the public announcement. Many outlets are reporting that the petite personality is furious and has refused to come back to the show until Strahan leaves. On Wednesday Ana Gasteyer filled in and on Thursday Erin Andrews co-hosted the show. The sports reporter will also be filling in on Friday.