Why Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day

Former England striker Ian Wright has announced he will be leaving Match of the Day at the end of this season.

The 60-year-old pundit revealed his decision on his official X formerly Twitter account, stating he wants to "do a few more different things with my Saturdays". "After many memorable years, I'll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season," Wright added.

He expressed his gratitude for having had such an incredible run on what he called "the most iconic football show in the world". Wright explained that his decision has been coming for a while and perhaps his recent birthday fast-tracked it.

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However, he is looking forward to covering what he hopes will be an amazing Premier League title race in his last months on the show.

Wright first appeared on the BBC show in 1997 during his distinguished playing days at Arsenal and became a regular in 2002, two years after retiring from the game.

Wright said on his official X – formerly Twitter – account: “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.

“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