Arsenal legend Ian Wright 'nearly died' in horror crash after car skidded off motorway

Premier League legend Ian Wright has opened up about the terrifying moment he was in a near-fatal car crash on his way to film Match of the Day.

The incident occurred back in February 2022 when his chauffeur lost control of their car in wet conditions. The pair were on their way to Manchester and spun out on the motorway before crashing into the central barrier.

Speaking about the incident on The Overlap (via The Mirror) with Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, Arsenal icon Wright was grilled over his tardiness en route to recording. However, he asserted he had a valid excuse given the weather.

"We had terrible rain on the motorway, we had to slow down," said Wright. "Two years ago, I nearly died! In the same kind of weather. I'm petrified when it starts raining."

Despite Keane's laughter and skepticism over the severity of the situation, Wright described the harrowing experience in detail: "So we're driving and [the driver] hit the brakes. He must be doing 60 or 70 [miles per hour] - the car's aquaplaned, it's hit the central reservation, spun around and we're facing that way [into oncoming traffic]. That's enough to frighten ya."

The football pundit didn't let the frightful encounter deter him from his professional duties; after recomposing himself, he continued his journey and was to arrive in time to record MOTD as planned. Fans were shocked upon hearing how close Wright came to disaster, yet relieved their beloved football commentator made it through unharmed.

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"Not a straightforward trip up for @BBCMOTD!" he told his followers online at the time. "Thankfully nobody was hurt. Be careful out there, lots of water on the road. Thank you to my amazing driver Jay and the brilliant emergency services. See you tonight."

The photos from the accident scene were quite compelling, yet Wright kept his spirits high throughout the ordeal. The ex-footballer has since hung up his boots at Match of the Day but remains a valuable part of the Sky Sports punditry team.

Keane continued to question Wright's 'near death' experience, suggesting his colleague's airbags would've come to his rescue. Wright retorted that there were actually no airbags in the back, prompting Keane to make light of the situation and joke Wright must have been "watching The Godfather for the 50th time."