Ian Wright slams ‘crazy and ludicrous’ criticism of Bukayo Saka as Arsenal legend stars on the cover of British GQ for the first time

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

Saka is coming off 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 questioning his quality at every opportunity and Gunners legend Wright believes the level of criticism has been unfair.

Wright was speaking to British GQ. after appearing on the magazine’s cover for the first time in a red and white themed photo shoot.

The 60-year-old said: “People talk about him in a way that says: ‘He’s made for him, he’s this, he’s that, he’s not world class.’

“It’s crazy and ridiculous what we expect these guys to have to deal with.

‘(That’s why) you bring (current players) back to the core of why they play and take them to a place when they were younger and doing it for love. Because that replaces everything.’

Wright also spoke about his decision to withdraw from Match of the Day.

“It’s time,” he said. ‘Match of the day is so iconic it’s difficult. But, for me, this just ran its course. I’ve finished.’

‘You might see me appear on MNF, but I’m not leaving to go to Sky. I have something to offer but, at the same time, I have to do it on my own terms.’

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

“It’s obviously a big disappointment,” he said. ‘(But) I am very proud of this team and what they and Mikel (Arteta) have done in two years.

‘It is still a work in progress and we are still challenging at the highest level. We, as a fan base, have to calm down and let this man work.”

The Heroes edition will be available via digital download and on newsstands on June 11.