Match of the Day announce two Ian Wright replacements as Man City legend lands new role

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott and Man City legend Joe Hart are poised to step into the big shoes left by Ian Wright on Match of the Day.

The Arsenal legend, 60, announced his departure in December last year, more than 27 years after he made his debut on the iconic show. He had become a regular fixture alongside presenter Gary Lineker and the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer, Alan Shearer.

As the new Premier League season kicks off this week, the BBC have unveiled the two former Three Lions stars who will attempt to follow in his footsteps on the weekly highlights show, in an event with former host Des Lynam, joining the likes of Shearer, Shay Given and Micah Richards on the BBC's flagship show.

READ MORE: Impressing Pep Guardiola and a Rodri solution - inside the rise of Man City's Nico O'Reilly

READ MORE: Man City expected to complete at least three more deals in transfer window

Both stars have recently ventured into punditry following their retirement from football. Walcott has appeared on Sky Sports covering the Premier League and impressed, while Hart contributed to the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024 this summer after ending his playing career as a title winner with Scottish champions Celtic.

After announcing his exit earlier this year, Wright confessed that he was looking forward to reclaiming his weekends.

He said: "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.

"I