Ian Wright announces he will be 'stepping back' from BBC's Match of the Day at the end of the season

Ian Wright has announced on social media that he will be ‘stepping back’ from BBC’s iconic Match of the Day programme at the end of the current season.

The Arsenal legend wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘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.’

The 60-year-old pundit, who earned 33 caps for England, went on to explain his love for the show, first appearing on it as a Gunners player.

Wright said: ‘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 Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.’ 

However, the timing of the show means that he is frequently working weekends, and this was part of his rationale for deciding to quit the show at the present time – after seeing out what looks to be an exciting race at the top and bottom of the Premier League.

Ian Wright has announced he will be ‘stepping back’ from BBC’s Match of the Day next year

He revealed: ‘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 signed off his gratitude to Match of the Day with a number of emojis including a cool guy and a red love heart.  

More to follow…  

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