Ian Wright to leave Match of the Day at end of season

Former England striker Ian Wright has announced he is to leave Match of the Day at the end of the current season.

The 60-year-old pundit has revealed his decision to step back from “the most iconic football show in the world” to “do a few more different things with my Saturdays”.

Wright said on his official X – formerly Twitter – account: “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.

https://t.co/6loLu69ZxA

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) December 17, 2023

“I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.

“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 first appeared on the BBC show in 1997 during his distinguished playing days at Arsenal and became a regular in 2002 two years after his retirement from the game.

On his first appearance, he told presenter Des Lynam the programme was his “Graceland”, and his enduring passion for football has been abundantly clear since.

It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. https://t.co/jR1mjRujkb

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 17, 2023

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker spoke of the “privilege” to work alongside his former England team-mate.

Lineker said on X: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian.

“One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”