Ian Wright slams critics who say Bukayo Saka ‘is not world class’ as Arsenal legend stars on the cover of British GQ for the first time
- Ian Wright spoke to British GQ when he was on the cover of the Heroes Issue
- Wright spoke about Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and his departure from Match of the Day
- Click here to follow the Mail Sport Euro 2024 WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and updates from Germany
Ian Wright believes Bukayo Saka has received more than his fair share of criticism from fans and pundits lately.
Saka returns after another impressive season at Arsenal, with the winger contributing 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances for the club.
That hasn’t stopped some from casting doubt on his quality at every opportunity and Gunners legend Wright believes the criticism is unfair.
Wright spoke to British GQ after appearing on the cover of the magazine for the first time in a red and white themed shoot.
The 60-year-old said: ‘People talk about him in a way that’s like, ‘It’s done for him, he’s this, he’s that, he’s not world class.’
Ian Wright spoke to British GQ when he first appeared on the cover of the magazine
Saka continues to receive criticism from fans of other clubs despite generally impressive form
“It’s crazy and ridiculous what we expect these guys to have to deal with.
‘[That’s why] You bring [current players] back to the core of why they play and take them to a place where they were younger and they did it out of love. Because that is above all else.’
Wright also spoke about his decision to walk away from Match of the Day.
“It’s time,” he said. “The match of the day is so iconic, so it’s a tough match. But for me it’s just taken its course. I’m ready.’
‘You may see me appear on MNF, but I’m not leaving to go to Sky. I have something to offer, but at the same time it has to be on my own terms.”
The photo shoot was a nod to the architecture of the lost but not forgotten Highbury Stadium
Wright says the time has come for him to walk away from his role on Match of the Day
The former Arsenal striker is also confident his former club can cross the line and win a major trophy in the coming years.
“It’s obviously a huge disappointment,” he said. ‘[But] I’m so proud of this team and what they and Mikel are [Arteta] done in two years.
‘It is still a work in progress and yet we are still challenging at the highest level. We, as a fanbase, just need to calm down and let this man do his job.”
The Hero Issue of is available via digital download and on newsstands June 11.