Ian Wright slams critics who say Bukayo Saka ‘is not world class’ as Arsenal legend stars on the cover of British GQ for the first time

Ian Wright believes that Bukayo Saka has faced more than his fair share of criticism from fans and pundits in recent times.

Saka is coming off the back of another impressive campaign with Arsenal in which the winger contributed 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances for the club.

That hasn’t stopped some from casting doubts over his quality at any opportunity and Gunners legend Wright thinks the level of criticism has been unfair.

Wright was speaking to British GQ after fronting the cover of the magazine for the first time in a red and white themed shoot.

The 60-year-old said: ‘people are talking about him in a way that’s like, ‘It’s done for him, he’s this, he’s that, he’s not world class.’ 

Saka continues to face criticism from fans of other clubs despite generally impressive form

‘It’s crazy and it’s ludicrous what we’re expecting these guys to have to deal with.

‘[That’s why] you bring [current players] back to the core of why they’re playing and take them to a place when they were younger and they done it for love. Because that supersedes everything.’ 

Wright also spoke on his decision to walk away from Match of the Day.

‘It’s time,’ he said. ‘Match of the Day is so iconic, so it’s a tough one. But, for me, it’s just run its course. I’m done.’

‘You might see me pop up on MNF but I’m not leaving to go to Sky. I’ve got something to offer but, at the same time, it’s got to be on my own terms.’

The photo shoot was a nod to the architecture of the gone but not forgotten Highbury Stadium

Wright says the time had come for him to walk away from his role on Match of the Day

The former Arsenal striker is also confident his old club can get over the line and win a major trophy in the coming years. 

‘Obviously, it’s a massive disappointment,’ he said. ‘[But] I’m so proud of this team and what they and Mikel [Arteta] have done in two years. 

‘It’s still a work in progress and yet we’re still challenging at the very highest level. We, as a fanbase, have got to just calm down and let this man work.’ 

The Heroes Issue of is available via digital download and on newsstands on 11th June.