‘Well done, Wrighty’
Roy Keane was visibly moved by an interview Ian Wright conducted on ITV.
In possibly his final appearance as a pundit this season, Keane, the heavy-favourite to take over at Sunderland, praised Wright for the work he did with Adrian Clifton.
Clifton, a striker for non-league side Boreham Wood, featured in Wright’s show ‘Football Behind Bars’ back in 2009. The former Arsenal striker helped him turn his life around, and 13 years later, the pair were reunited.
Clifton, who played for Boreham Wood in their FA Cup win over Bournemouth on Sunday, was in a young offenders institution when he met Wright on the Sky show.
The striker, now 33, played for Arsenal’s academy as a teenager before being released by the club. His life then went off the tracks and he ended up in prison.
However, Wright’s mentorship helped turn his life around. After leaving the institution, the Londoner built a career in non-league football.
Clifton is also a Montserrat international and has scored four times in 12 games for the Caribbean island, including two goals in a World Cup qualifier.
13 years ago @IanWright0 featured in a documentary helping at a young offenders' institution
One of the men he helped was @A17Clifton
Adrian turned his life round, established a career in football and is now in the 5th round of the FA Cup
Here's the message he had for Wrighty pic.twitter.com/OkjiQiXApv
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 7, 2022
“The thing with being a mentor is being there for people,” Wright said on ITV after the interview.
“It’s not like every time you speak to them you have to give them unbelievable words of wisdom.
“The main thing is being here. Showing love. Letting people know I could call them if I need something.”
Keane was in the studio with Wright, with the pair working on Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup, and was visibly moved by the short film.
Ian Wright on being a role model:"It's not like you have to give words of wisdom all of the time, it doesn't have to be Churchillian.
"You just to need to be there when they need you to call..You have to be there for those moments of weakness."
Ian Wright is an inspiration
4/4 pic.twitter.com/c4ePtwMm1e— Tim Gatt (@TimGatt) February 6, 2022
The Irishman, known for his direct approach as a pundit, praised his friend for the interview and his work with Clifton.
“Brilliant, very powerful,” Keane said. “Great story, well done, Wrighty.”
“You gave him a bit of hope. Brilliant stuff. Absolutely brilliant.”
Related links:
- Roy Keane addresses Sunderland speculation live on ITV
- Jamie Carragher reminds Roy Keane of Ronaldo comments after Man United defeat
- Gabriel Agbonlahor slams Roy Keane and warns Sunderland against appointing him
