Ian Wright fights back tears as he signs off on final Match of the Day appearance

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ian Wright shed tears as he signed off from Match of the Day on his final appearance on the iconic BBC football highlights show. Wright, who first appeared on the show 27 years ago, announced in December that this would be his last season on Match of the Day, saying: “Ultimately, it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.” The former Crystal Palace, Arsenal and England striker has become one of the most popular pundits on television for his raw emotion and good humour, combined with a deep knowledge of the game and of goalscoring. “I am going to miss you guys, I really am,” he told host Gary Lineker and lead pundit Alan Shearer, following the final day of the season on Sunday. You always have been.” Wright said earlier this season: “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.