FAN favourite Mark Wright has ruled himself out of featuring in this year’s Soccer Aid.
The TV personality has featured in the charity match on the last six occasions but will not be involved in 2023.
The 36-year-old is instead focusing on other work commitments in June when the mix of ex-footballers and celebrities battle it out to win.
Wright has netted several memorable goals for England over the last few matches and will be a big loss.
On his choice to miss out, he told the Daily Mail: “On a personal level I’ve decided not to do Soccer Aid this year.
“I have done it for six years in a row now and I love it, I love the charity and would love to be involved and still raise money for Unicef.
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“If I’m around I’ll maybe still watch the game, but I just need to keep myself free around that time.
“I need to let someone else have a go and maybe I’ll come back next year but for now I’m going to have a year out.
The former Only Way is Essex star says his withdrawal from the clash with the Rest of the World has nothing to do with a reported feud with ITV chiefs, who broadcast the game.
Wright nearly made it as a professional footballer, having been in West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham’s academies as a youngster.
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He went on to play semi-professional games for various sides before shockingly coming out of retirement and signing for League Two outfit Crawley Town in 2021.
The host of new show The Challenge, made his debut in the FA Cup in the 90th minute versus Leeds while filming a mini-series at the club as he looked to rekindle his pro career.
Wright is from a football family, his brother Josh, 33, plays for Ebbsfleet United in the sixth tier of English football.
He previously had spells with EFL clubs like Southend United, Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Millwall.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
