Arteta gives Arsenal team news before Everton clash
Arsenal hero Ian Wright was told that his mother had died just 30 seconds before he was due to go on air at the weekend. Wright was working for ITV as a pundit for their FA Cup coverage when he was told at half-time that mum Nesta has passed away.
The former England international was at the Crown Oil Arena to give his thoughts on Rochdale’s second-round clash with Plymouth Argyle.
Wright, who has previously spoken about the difficult relationship he had with his mum, left the stadium as soon as he had heard the news to be with his family.
According to The Sun, one of Wright’s friends said: “Ian would be the first to admit he had a difficult relationship with his mum - but hearing your own flesh and blood has passed away is never easy. It’s upsetting news to hear for anyone.
“He was told just before he went back on air at half-time, and wanted to be with his family, which ITV obviously totally understood.
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Rochdale equalised 10 minutes into the second period, but the Pilgrims won the game late on as Luke Jephcott struck the winner.
Plymouth are currently fourth in the League One table, while Rochdale are 13th in League Two so the result appeared to follow the script.
Wright is regarded as one of the finest strikers in Arsenal’s history and scored 153 goals in 257 appearances for the Gunners.
The former player was still plying his trade in non-league with Greenwich Borough in his early 20s, before being spotted by Crystal Palace.
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Arsenal icon Ian Wright scored 153 goals for the Gunners (Image: GETTY)
He was working as a plasterer before he signed for the Eagles and was handed a contract worth just £105-a-week at Selhurst Park.
Wright won 33 caps for England and struck nine goals but never represented his country at a major tournament.
He famously scored four goals in the Three Lions’ 7-1 World Cup qualifying victory over San Marino in 1993. But England failed to make it to the 1994 World Cup after finishing third in their group.
The legendary forward went on to finish his career with Burnley and retired in 2000.