Ian Wright has admitted the heartwarming reason behind his shock Match of the Day departure.
The Arsenal legend, 60, called time on his pundit role on BBC's flagship show this past week, having made his first appearance on the show back in 1997.
Wright – who will leave at the end of the Premier League season – will present a major loss for the show and means host Gary Lineker will be forced to welcome a new regular pundit alongside mainstay Alan Shearer.
READ MORE: Ian Wright to quit Match of the Day as Arsenal legend leaving his 'Holy Grail' at BBC
READ MORE: Fans love Ian Wright's first MOTD appearance 26 years ago as 'Graceland' clip resurfaces
The Crystal Palace icon revealed that his exit is down to him wanting to spend more time with his wife and family. Wright has married to Nancy Hallam since 2011 with the pair sharing daughters Lola and Roxanna together.
An opportunity to have family time as well attend more Arsenal games proved too much to miss out on for the former England international. "I’m going to watch a lot more Arsenal games just to be there with fans," he said.
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"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."
His initial announcement spelling out his departure left fans stunned Wright initially announced his exit in an emotional statement on social media.
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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. I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories."
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