IAN WRIGHT has announced that he will be leaving his job as Match of the Day pundit.
The Arsenal legend, 60, first appeared on the hit TV show while still playing in 1997.
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Ian Wright has announced that he is leaving the match of the day Credits: Rex
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Arsenal legend pictured with Gary Lineker (left) and Alan Shearer Credit: Twitter
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Wright first appeared on MOTD in 1997 while still playing Credits: BBC
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Wright pictured with Des Lynam and Trevor Brooking on his debut Credit: BBC
And he has been a regular on the program alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer since hanging up his football boots.
However, the former England striker has now revealed on social media that this will be his last season working for MOTD.
Wright announced the news on Sunday, releasing a statement which read: “After my debut as a player in 1997 and many memorable years to come, I will be stepping down from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
“I feel very privileged to have had such incredible success on the most legendary football show in the world.”
“Anyone who knows my story knows how much the series has meant to me since I was little. MOTD is my holy grail.
“At my first gig I said to Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always watch it.”
Wright continued: “I am retiring having made great friends and many fond memories.
“This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year has sped it up a bit, but in the end it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
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“I’m really looking forward to my final months on the show and covering what I hope will be an incredible Premier League title race.”
Wright retired from playing in 2000 and began working as a full-time pundit two years later, making two match of the day appearances.
The first was from 2002 to 2008, and then returned in 2015.
Back in May this year, Wright also made history when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, as they became the first expert father-son team to appear on the series.
Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
“His insight, wit and warmth richly entertained and informed all those who watched him.
“We will miss his unique style and presence when he leaves at the end of this season, but we will certainly give him the send-off he deserves.”
An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with you Ian. One of my favorite people on the planet. Goodbye my friend. ❤️”
Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!! ❤️”
Piers Morgan said: “Congratulations on a magnificent ride Legend.. and stepping down at the very top of your expert game. We will miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
BBC Sports commentator Conor McNamara said: “The presenters, the producers, the racers, the commentators, the engineers, the bosses…
“Any show that Wrighty does, he just kind of lifts everyone up. I’ve never seen anyone have such a wide-ranging effect.”
And fans of all clubs paid tribute to “one of the nicest people on TV”.
Wright was snapped up from non-league football by Crystal Palace at the age of 21 and went on to score 90 goals for the Eagles, including two in the 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Those exploits led to George Graham bringing him to Arsenal in 1991 for a club-record £2.5million – but he more than made that figure back.
Wright became the club’s record goalscorer with 185 goals, which has since been surpassed by Thierry Henry, and won a number of accolades under Graham and Arsene Wenger.
He lifted the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time at Highbury.
Wright, who has also scored nine in 33 games for England, left Arsenal in 1998 to move across London to West Ham before having spells at Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley before retiring.
SunSport looked at five experts who could fill Wrighty’s boots at MOTD.
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Wright made history when he worked alongside his son Shaun Wright-Phillips on MOTD Credit: Twitter
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The 60-year-old enjoyed working for the show twiceCredit: BBC
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The 60-year-old says he ‘made great friends and lots of great memories’ Credit: Twitter
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Ian Wright became Arsenal’s record goalscorer during his seven years at HighburyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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