IAN Wright has made his final appearance as a pundit on Match Of The Day after two decades on the show.
The 60-year-old, who first appeared on the show back in 1997, previously explained that the decision to leave had ''been coming for a while''.
Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?
In December 2023, Ian Wright announced that he would be leaving his Match of the Day role.
A statement shared on social media by the Arsenal legend 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.
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''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 added: ''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.''
Following the announcement, head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: ''Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
''His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
''We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.''
On May 20, 2024, the former Gunner's forward bid an emotional farewell during his final Match Of The Day appearance.
He said the show meant "the world to me".
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The pundit told his colleagues: "I am going to miss you guys, I really am.
This has been the greatest for me. Match of the Day means the whole world to me, you guys don't even know"
Ian Wright
"That's why I got my eight, nine, 10 (tattoos), my two guys I love so much on there - people laugh at me but I love you man."
How long did Ian Wright work on Match of the Day for?
As mentioned above, Ian Wright first appeared on the hit sports show back in 1997 - while he was still playing.
However, it wasn't until years later that the former footballer became a regular pundit.
Wright hung up his boots and retired from playing in 2000, before becoming a familiar fixture on Match of the Day in 2002.
His first stint lasted until 2008, before Wright once again returned for a second spell on the highlights show in 2015.
Who else presents Match of the Day?
Dubbed ''the world's most famous football show'', Match of the Day brings viewers big names and big games from the Premier League.
Prior to announcing his exit, Ian Wright became a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer.
It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend"
Gary Lineker
Shearer added: "See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!"
Following his statement, SunSport has taken a look at five pundits who could fill Wrighty's boots on MOTD.
Gary Lineker
Gary played 80 times for England.
He scored 48 goals for his nation, 95 for Leicester, and 67 for Tottenham before hanging up his boots in 1994.
He has carved out a successful career in broadcasting as the host of popular football show Match Of The Day since 1999.
He has also worked as a football anchor for NBC, Al Jazeera, and TNT Sport.
Between 2015 and 2021 he hosted BT Sport's coverage of the UEFA Champions League.
Alan Shearer
Alan is one of England's greatest-ever strikers.
His 260 goals in the Premier League still remains the record amount in the top-flight since its inception in 1992.
In 2006 he retired from the pitch and became a regular pundit for BBC's Match of the Day.
Shearer also writes an exclusive column for SunSport.
Away from the sport, he has also been involved with a number of charities, including the NSPCC, Sport Relief, UNICEF and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, for which he is a patron.
