Wright hangs up his boots

Ian Wright: Retiring from the game

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has decided to hang up his boots, after a long and distinguished career in professional football in which he earned 31 international caps.

Wright, who helped Burnley gain promotion to the First Division last season, said it was "one of the hardest decisions he has had to make in his life" and he wanted to spend more time with his family.

The 36-year-old said: "It's a really hard decision because I've got all the people in Burnley, the manager is a close friend and I've made really good friends up there."

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In recent months Wright has begun to develop a new career in television, hosting his own chat show, and he added: "My family are the major factor in me not playing any more, plus I have had a very good career and it is other people's turn now."