Ian Wright turned down Crystal Palace three times because he had a young family and a job that was going to teach him a trade. He was afraid of going through another trial and rejection, which could jeopardize his job and his ability to provide for his family.
Ian Wright chose The Marriage of Figaro because it was a song from the film Shawshank Redemption that he used to listen to on his way to Arsenal matches. It helped him calm down and build to a crescendo before the game.
Ian Wright's most emotional moment was playing his first league game with Arsenal against Southampton, where he and his childhood friend David Roecastle both scored. This moment brought back memories of their time together on the estate and Roecastle's encouragement.
Ian Wright's relationship with Arsenal fans was incredibly supportive and meaningful. When he faced opposition from other teams, the Arsenal fans would sing his name, giving him a sense of belonging and encouragement. This support was crucial for his confidence and performance on the pitch.
The song 'River Deep Mountain High' by Tina Turner is significant to Ian Wright because it reminds him of his mother's struggles with his stepfather. The song evokes strong emotions and anxiety, but it is also a part of his life that he needs to own and deal with.
Mr. Pigden, Ian Wright's teacher, changed his life by giving him responsibility and helping him focus. He taught Ian about football, improved his writing, and wouldn't let him play football if he was naughty in class. This support and structure helped Ian turn his life around.
Ian Wright's time in prison for non-payment of fines and driving without a license had a profound impact on him. It made him realize he couldn't continue down that path and motivated him to find a job and focus on getting a trade, which ultimately helped him progress in his life.
Ian Wright chose 'Endlessly' by Randy Crawford because it was the song played at his wedding when his wife Nancy walked down the aisle. It summed up how Nancy has changed his life and how she makes him a better person.
Ian Wright faced challenges as a black player, including racism and a lack of opportunities in the boardroom. He believes that while racism has not gone away, the emergence of social media has made it more visible. He advocates for proper discipline and punishment to combat it and for more opportunities for black players in leadership roles.
Ian Wright's favorite book choice for his desert island is 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' by Mark Haddon. He chose it because he loved reading it and found it to be a very good book.
Lauren Laverne talks to Ian Wright in an episode first broadcast in 2020.
Ian Wright is a former professional footballer and now a football pundit on TV and radio. He began his career at Crystal Palace before moving to Arsenal where he became their highest goal scorer of all time, a record only surpassed eight years later by Thierry Henry.
Born to a Jamaican couple in south-east London, Ian grew up with his mother and step-father. His biological father had left the family when Ian was under two years old. Things at home were difficult and Ian spent as much time as possible outside playing football.
At his primary school a teacher, Mr Pigden, took him under his wing and Ian would later credit him with changing his life. He left his secondary school at the age of 14 to get a job. Although he took part in trials for many professional football clubs as a teenager, he was never selected. He continued to play for amateur sides. By the age of 21, he had three children to provide for, so when Crystal Palace came calling in 1985, he turned them down three times before accepting a two-week trial, followed by a three-month contract. His football career had finally begun.
After impressing as a forward at Palace, he was bought by Arsenal for a record fee in 1991. He was called up to the England squad the same year and would go on to collect 33 caps. He spent his last couple of years in professional football at a number of clubs around the country and in total, he played 581 league games, scoring 387 goals for seven clubs in England and Scotland. Since his retirement from football in 2000, he has had a career as a pundit on both TV and radio.
He has eight children and has been happily married to his second wife, Nancy, since 2011.
DISC ONE: The Marriage of Figaro: Duettino - Sull'aria by Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, composed by Lorenzo Da Ponte and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart DISC TWO: Looking For You by Kirk Franklin DISC THREE: River Deep Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner DISC FOUR: Redemption Song by Bob Marley & The Wailers DISC FIVE: Mysteries of the World by MSFB DISC SIX: Endlessly by Randy Crawford DISC SEVEN: Crown by Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Just Fine by Mary J Blige
BOOK CHOICE: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon LUXURY ITEM: A seven iron golf club and golf balls CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Endlessly by Randy Crawford
Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Cathy Drysdale