{"id":300785,"date":"2023-12-17T09:39:30","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T09:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=300785"},"modified":"2023-12-17T09:39:30","modified_gmt":"2023-12-17T09:39:30","slug":"ian-wright-to-quit-bbc-match-of-the-day-as-arsenal-icon-leaving-his-holy-grail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/soccer\/ian-wright-to-quit-bbc-match-of-the-day-as-arsenal-icon-leaving-his-holy-grail\/","title":{"rendered":"Ian Wright to quit BBC Match of the Day as Arsenal icon leaving his ‘Holy Grail’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    Ian Wright has announced he is stepping down as a pundit on Match of the Day more than 25 years after his debut on the iconic show.<\/p>\n

    The former Arsenal and England striker, 60, first appeared on the flagship BBC highlights programme back in 1997 while he was still playing. Wright has had two permanent spells as a Match of the Day pundit 2002 to 2008 before returning in 2015.<\/p>\n

    Wright announced on X: "After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I\u2019ll 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."<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: 'I was two-foot jump kicked in the back at Crystal Palace \u2013 I had to do something'<\/b><\/p>\n

    READ MORE: Ian Wright 'borrows the Michelin Man's coat' for ITV FA Cup coverage as fans in stitches<\/b><\/p>\n

    He added: "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, \u201cThis is my Graceland\u201d. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.<\/p>\n

    "I\u2019m 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\u2019s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.<\/p>\n

    What do you think of Ian Wright's decision to stand down from Match of the Day? Tell us in the comments section below<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    "I\u2019m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race."<\/p>\n

    Gunners fans were among the first to wish Wright well following his decision. One said: "Legend. Hopefully the boys make your last season on MOTD a memorable one"<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    Another added: "Legend. Forever an icon. The most loyal Arsenal legend." A third suggested: "Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room – do not let Wrighty leave MOTD without his last show being Arsenal winning the title."<\/p>\n

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