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One of the BBC’s most established sports pundits, Ian Wright, has revealed he will be leaving his job on Match of the Day at the end of this year’s football season.
His decision comes after 27 years serving as one of the knowledgeable former football players turned pundits on the flagship BBC sports show.
Wright, who has turned 60 this year, made his announcement on social media, saying:
“After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
“I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.”
“Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
“On my first ever show, I told [host] Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
“I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
“This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
“I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
Wright retired from the pitch in 2000, after playing for London teams Crystal Palace and Arsenal, where he became the team’s scoring talismans under managers George Graham and Arsene Wenger, scoring a then-record 185 goals during his tenure.
In May this year, he made history alongside his son Shaun Wright-Phillips as the first father/son punditry team on Match of the Day.
And he joined others in boycotting the show earlier this year in support of host Gary Lineker, suspended for controversial social media posts deemed too political.
This weekend, Lineker tweeted in response to Wright’s announcement: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. ❤️”
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