MIKEL ARTETA has been urged to use Ian Wright’s shock Match of The Day exit as extra motivation in the Premier League title race.
The Arsenal legend, 60, first appeared on the hit TV show while still playing back in 1997.
And he has been a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer since hanging up his boots.
But the ex-England striker announced on social media that this will be his last season working on MOTD.
In one emotional post, he wrote: “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
Arsenal finished second last season to Manchester City and currently trail leaders Liverpool by a point.
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So winning their first league title could be the perfect way farewell present for Wright in fans’ eyes.
One said: “Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room – do not let Wrighty leave MOTD without his last show being Arsenal winning the title.”
Another added: “We have to win the league now for Ian Wright’s last show.”
One followed up: “All the best Wrighty, gonna miss you, but if we win the league what a way it will be for you to sign off.”
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Wright broke the news on Sunday, posting a statement that 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 retired from playing in 2000 and began working as a regular pundit two years later and has enjoyed two spells on Match of the Day.
The first was from 2002 until 2008 and then he returned in 2015.
Back in May this year, Wright also made history when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips as they became the first father and son punditry team to appear on the show.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
