Gary Lineker leaves Ian Wright in tears with special gift on final Match of the Day appearance

Ian Wright was visibly moved on his final appearance on Match of the Day, as Gary Lineker presented him with a special cap to commemorate his time on the iconic BBC programme.

Wright, 60, had previously announced that this season would be his last as a pundit on the show. He first appeared on the programme in December 1997 while still an active player and became a regular fixture after retiring in 2002.

His farewell appearance coincided with the final day of this season's Premier League on Sunday. Alongside him were presenter Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer.

Wright was visibly emotional throughout the show, and when it came time for his send-off, he was overcome with emotion as Lineker handed him a commemorative cap similar to those given to England players.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker in tears as he says 'I can't be silent about what's happening'

READ MORE: Gary Lineker suffered seven hours of naked vomiting 'torture' after taking snus

"We didn't think you got enough England ones but that was Shearer's fault," Lineker joked as Wright donned the cap, reports the Mirror.

"That's so sweet, man. I'm not gonna look at the cameras now," responded the Arsenal legend. "I'm going to miss you guys, I really am. This has been the greatest for me."

"Match of the Day means the whole world to me, you lot don't even know. I've got my eight, nine, 10 [tattoos with the shirt numbers of Lineker and Shearer], my two guys who I love so much on there. People laugh at me for getting my eight, nine, 10, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer but it's because I love you man. You're my guys."

"We'll miss you on Saturdays," Shearer told Wright before Lineker gave a fitting tribute. "We'll see you next week at the FA Cup final, I know you'll be about 200 yards from us [working for ITV ] but we'll see you then at least," he added before a montage was played.

"But it's been an absolute pleasure and a delight to work with you for so long. You're a breath of fresh air and you always have been. Thank you."

Wright explained in December 2023 that turning 60 had "fast-tracked" his decision to leave the show, saying: "Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was [a] young boy."

"MOTD is my Holy Grail. On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, 'This is my Graceland'. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching."

"I'm stepping back having made great friends and many great memories. This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my [60th] birthday earlier this year fast-tracked it a little, but ultimately it's time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays."