Revealed: Why Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season

Wright has announced that he will depart Match of the Day at the end of the season, having served as a regular pundit since 2002. The ex-Arsenal and England striker made his first appearance on the show in 1997, when he was still playing, but has now announced that he will step back.

Wright has explained that he is leaving because of his age, as he turned 60 this year, and is aiming to fill his weekends with different activities.

Per BBC Sport, he said that his resignation "had been coming for a while" and had been "fast-tracked" by his age.

He added: "Ultimately, it's time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays. 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."

Wright added: "Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was a young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told [presenter] Des Lynam, 'This is my Graceland'. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.

"I'm stepping back having made great friends and many great memories. I'm really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing title race."

The former striker has worked as a pundit for various channels and works on women's football as well as the men's game. It remains to be seen where exactly he will land after his punditry duties end.