August 13th 2024.
In a recent announcement, Ian Wright revealed that he will be stepping down from his long-standing role as a pundit on the BBC's flagship sports show, Match of the Day. This news came after his initial announcement in December of last year, stating that he would be leaving the programme after the 2023-24 season.
Wright first joined the show back in 1997 while he was still playing professionally, and became a regular pundit in 2002. He recently made his final appearance on the show in May, where he watched his former club Arsenal narrowly miss out on the Premier League title on the last day of the season.
In an interview with former Match of the Day presenter Des Lynam, it was revealed that former England stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott will be joining the team as regular pundits for the upcoming season. Hart, who retired after a successful career as England's goalkeeper and winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, previously worked for the BBC during the Euro 2024 tournament. Walcott, who made almost 400 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, Southampton, and Everton, has also entered the media following his retirement.
The show will continue to be hosted by ex-Three Lions striker Gary Lineker, alongside regular pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Wright's departure from the show was an emotional one, as he was brought to tears during his final appearance. He admitted that he was surprised by his emotional reaction, saying "It was quite emotional. I didn't realize it was going to hit me like it did."
Wright explained that it was a combination of factors that led to his emotional response, including the day's events and saying goodbye to colleagues he had worked with for many years. He also mentioned that his grandkids, who are all Manchester City fans, added to his emotions by playfully teasing him during the show.
When asked about his decision to step down, Wright stated that it was simply time for a change and a break. With the long hours and travel involved, he felt that it was taking a toll on his energy and personal life. He mentioned that he always preferred to return home after filming and that he wanted to use his time more efficiently.
However, Wright assured fans that he will still be involved in other projects and that Match of the Day was just one of many commitments. He emphasized that he is getting older and wants to make sure he is using his time wisely and taking care of himself.
The first episode of the new season of Match of the Day will air on BBC One on Saturday night, following the first round of Premier League fixtures. So make sure to tune in and catch all the latest news, exclusives, and analysis on Arsenal and the rest of the league. And don't forget to sign up for updates and news on our website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the safety of your information. Thank you for your continued support.
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