Hall of Fame

Wright humbled by entry into Hall of Fame

21 Apr 2022

Ex-Arsenal and Crystal Palace forward recognised with top honour after 113 Premier League goals in 213 appearances

Ian Wright has said being voted into the 2022 Premier League Hall of Fame was a "humbling" moment for him.

The former striker was one of six men who were voted into this year's Hall of Fame by fans and a panel of football experts.

Wright instantly became a fans' favourite after signing for Arsenal from Crystal Palace in 1991, thanks to his unerring eye for goal and heart-on-his-sleeve attitude.

Record-breaking scorer

He was Arsenal's top scorer six seasons in a row and, in 1997/98, broke Cliff Bastin's record to become their leading scorer of all time, a feat only bettered by Thierry Henry.

"It's a real privilege to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," Wright said. "You have to remember that for the majority of my football journey, I never thought I'd become a professional footballer. So to do that, enjoy the times I had with the fans and my team-mates and now to receive this accolade, is a true honour. I feel really humbled.

Wright ended the 1997/98 season by winning the Premier League, before joining West Ham United and netted a total of 113 Premier League goals in 213 appearances.

You have to remember that for the majority of my football journey, I never thought I'd become a professional footballer. So to do that, enjoy the times I had with the fans and my teammates and now to receive this accolade, is a true honour. I feel really humbled and grateful ❤️🥲 pic.twitter.com/A3O74uVqGw
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) April 21, 2022

"Growing up in south London, football was my escape. We played for pure enjoyment and that's something that never left me when I played the game. I always felt like I was running out of time and this recognition is a special reminder to appreciate the journey, the hard work and getting over the doubts I had.

"I also have to thank so many incredible team-mates, backroom staff and managers, most notably Steve Coppell who gave me the chance and shaped the player I became."

Wright was inducted into the 2022 Hall of Fame alongside Wayne Rooney, Patrick Vieira, Peter Schmeichel, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Didier Drogba and Paul Scholes.

All inducted players receive a medallion engraved with their name and the year of their induction, with a £10,000 donation made by the Premier League to a charity of their choice.