Ian Wright to quit Match of the Day after 26 years

Ian Wright will step down from his role as a Match of the Day pundit at the end of the season.

Wright, 60, announced the decision on Sunday after 26 years on the show.

The former footballer debuted on Match of the Day in 1997 and became a regular presenter in 2002 – making him one of the longest-serving fixtures on the show, alongside his fellow ex-England stars Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

The pundit said the decision “had been coming for a while” and was “fast-tracked” when he turned 60 last month.

“Ultimately, it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays,” the former Arsenal striker said.

“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.“

He added: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was a young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told [presenter] 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. I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing title race.”

Wright had two spells on Match of the Day, first between 2002 and 2008, before returning in 2017.

His television career followed his time as a successful professional footballer, playing with Crystal Palace in 1985 at the age of 21, before moving to Arsenal in 1991 for a then-club record £2.5m. He went on to become the club’s leading goal scorer, with 185 goals.

Mr Wright also won 33 caps for England and scored nine goals.

In June this year, he was appointed an OBE for services to football and charity.

Wright’s decision comes as doubts linger over the long-term future of the show’s lead presenter, Gary Lineker.

Incoming BBC chair Samir Shah told MPs that Lineker had potentially breached the BBC’s social media guidelines this week when he ridiculed Tory MPs including Grant Shapps.

Dr Shah told a committee of MPs that the BBC needed clear impartiality guidelines that would end the “damaging” rows over Lineker’s political interventions.

The corporation has not notified its highest-paid presenter of any breach, i understands, but some BBC insiders, long frustrated at the controversies caused by Lineker’s social media use, welcomed Dr Shah’s position.

Earlier this year, Lineker was briefly taken off air over social media posts criticising the government’s plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda – but he returned after the decision sparked a walkout by his colleagues.

Wright was among those to join the boycott in solidarity with Lineker.

Paying tribute to his departing colleague on Sunday, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian.

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