IAN WRIGHT has revealed the heartwarming reason behind his stunning Match of the Day exit.
The 60-year-old shocked fans after revealing he will step down from the popular BBC highlights show at the end of the season.
Wrighty made his first appearance on Match of the Day way back in 1997.
And it means Gary Lineker will be on the hunt for a new pal to sit alongside Alan Shearer for the 2024/25 campaign.
Wright will certainly have plenty of spare time on his hands after bowing out.
The Arsenal legend has already admitted he fancies trying his hand at acting.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
MAD FOR IT
Arsenal fans beg 'inject it in my veins' as Gunners make huge signing from Real
XMAS SPECIAL
Win £200,000 tax free cash on Christmas Day from just 89p with our discount
But Wright has now revealed he’s really stepping away from Match of the Day to spend more time with his wife.
He has been married to Nancy Hallam since 2011, with the pair sharing daughters Lola and Roxanna together.
And Wright wants to use his free weekends taking his other half to watch more live football matches.
Wright said: “I’m going to watch a lot more Arsenal games just to be there with fans.
Most read in Football
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW
Arsenal land former winners while Man City get dream last-16 tie
MAD CITY
Man City discover punishment after Haaland and fuming stars surrounded ref v Spurs
GONE TOO SOON
Maddy Cusack probe reveals findings after Sheffield Utd star’s tragic death
BADLY DRAWN
Fans say Champions League draw is ‘rigged’ as Man City get ‘easiest’ tie
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
“Go with my son and his missus — just go and be with them and be amongst it, just to celebrate when we win or lose.
“And spend more time with my missus Nance, because she has to do so much on a weekend with the girls.
“So I just want to be a bit more present on that.”
Wright initially announced his exit in an emotional statement on social media.
It read: “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 Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
Wright continued: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
Read more on The Sun
WOAH BABY
My twins were conceived in different months but the oldest wasn’t born first
CHOC SHOCK
I complained my Roses had NO orange cremes – Cadbury blamed 'supply challenges'
“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.”
ARSENAL NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news from the Emirates
Source: Read Full Article
