IAN WRIGHT has revealed that he got tattoos in homage to his friendships with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
The Arsenal legend announced yesterday that he’ll be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.
Wright, 60, has been a regular since 2015, having had his first stint as a regular on the show between 2002 and 2008.
After returning to the iconic BBC show he became part of its top team alongside Lineker and Shearer.
The trio have become incredibly close friends during their time together on Match of the Day.
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, their bonds increased even further.
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Wright feels such a connection to his two pals, that he even got their squad numbers from their playing careers tattooed on his hand next to his.
Speaking on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House he explained what made him get his tattoo, and even admitted that wife Nancy Hallam has mocked him for it.
He said: “I got my eight, nine, ten, everyone laughs at me, my missus and Roscoe laughs at my tattoo, eight, nine, ten because it’s my number, Shearer’s number and Lineker’s number.
“And I thought I’d get that on, especially after we’d done the Covid [shows], we bonded really tightly in and around that time, we spoke to each other a lot, really got quite tight.
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“I’m going to miss them, I’m going to miss the guys.”
Announcing his decision to quit the show yesterday, Wright wrote on social media: “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.”
An emotional Lineker, 63, tweeted in response: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. ❤️”
While fellow pal Shearer, 53, added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!! ❤️”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
