Ian Wright reveals heartwarming reason why he quit Match of the Day and announces big plans for weekends next season

IAN WRIGHT has revealed the heartwarming reason behind his stunning Match of the Day exit.

The 60-year-old shocked fans after revealing he will step down from the popular BBC highlights show at the end of the season.

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Wrighty made his first appearance on Match of the Day way back in 1997.

And it means Gary Lineker will be on the hunt for a new pal to sit alongside Alan Shearer for the 2024/25 campaign.

Wright will certainly have plenty of spare time on his hands after bowing out.

The Arsenal legend has already admitted he fancies trying his hand at acting.

But Wright has now revealed he’s really stepping away from Match of the Day to spend more time with his wife.

He has been married to Nancy Hallam since 2011, with the pair sharing daughters Lola and Roxanna together.

And Wright wants to use his free weekends taking his other half to watch more live football matches.

Wright said: “I’m going to watch a lot more Arsenal games just to be there with fans.

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“Go with my son and his missus — just go and be with them and be amongst it, just to celebrate when we win or lose.

“And spend more time with my missus Nance, because she has to do so much on a weekend with the girls.

“So I just want to be a bit more present on that.”

Wright initially announced his exit in an emotional statement on social media.

It 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.”

“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 continued: “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.”

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