Ian Wright's mother has passed away.
Ian Wright
The former Arsenal and England striker was forced to leave ITV's FA Cup coverage this weekend when he was informed that his mother Nesta had died at the age of 94.
Ian was brought up by his mother in south London and had previously explained how he made peace with her following a difficult relationship during his childhood.
A friend of the footballer said: "Ian would be the first to admit he had a difficult relationship with his mum, but hearing your own flesh and blood has passed away is never easy. It’s upsetting news to hear for anyone.
"He was told just before he went back on the air at half time, and wanted to be with his family, which ITV obviously totally understood.
"He left the ground immediately to be with them."
Wright has been part of ITV's coverage of the match between Rochdale and Plymouth Argyle and had been interacting with the crowd before being told of the sad news. He had also shared a snap of himself on Twitter.
Presenter Mark Pougatch said during the interval: "Ian, I'm afraid is not [with us at half-time]. A family bereavement, so he has gone to where he is most needed - with his family."
A spokeswoman for Ian confirmed that it was his mother who had passed away.
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