Arsenal icon Ian Wright has publicly declined to accept an apology from Eni Aluko after she accused him of obstructing opportunities for women in football.
During an appearance on BBC Radio Four’s Women’s Hour on Wednesday, Aluko alleged that Wright’s involvement in women’s football punditry limited chances for female commentators.
She also claimed that her own career as a pundit was negatively impacted by former Manchester City player Joey Barton, whom she is currently suing for libel after he labelled her a “race card player” on social media in January 2023.
Aluko later offered an apology to Wright on Friday, but the former striker took to social media to reject it.
“I have to talk about this week, and what’s going on; I don’t want to endlessly be asked about it,” Wright stated.
“I’ve got to say, I’m very disappointed about what Eni has said. She knows how I’ve helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”
Addressing Aluko’s apology, Wright said, “I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don’t need any further social commentary directed on any of this.”
Wright stressed that the progress of women’s football should remain the priority: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me—it has to be about the collective.
“Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years; because of the past, we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fix it.”
Reflecting on his commitment to the sport, he added, “For me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.
“It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. If you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”
Wright emphasized the responsibility that England carries in advancing women’s football: “We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility to lead the way in women’s football. We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one.”
He concluded his statement by thanking those who had supported him: “I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you. It’s something I do not take for granted.”
Wright also expressed gratitude towards Stoke City forward Kayleigh McDonald, who recently revealed that Wright had stepped in to personally fund her rehabilitation after an ACL injury.
After Stoke City initially failed to cover McDonald’s medical expenses, she launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Although the club later reversed its decision, she was informed that financial support would be withdrawn again.
Wright reportedly covered McDonald’s £1,700-per-month rehabilitation costs and also hired a sports lawyer to assist her in navigating her situation.