Ian Wright REJECTS Eni Aluko's apology as Arsenal icon breaks silence - 'I can't accept'

Ian Wright has broken his silence following accusations by Eni Aluko that he was blocking opportunities for women in football and said he cannot accept her apology. Aluko .

The former England international made the suggestion on Radio Four's Women's Hour as she noted that continuing to employ Wright to cover women's footbam . Aluko also claimed her career had been damaged by Joey Barton, who she is suing for libel.

The 38-year-old has since . But despite not wanting to give more air to the fallout of the comments, the ex-Gunners sharpshooter has spoken out upon his disappointment at hearing Aluko's comments.

"I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it," Wright said. "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said, she knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management.

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"I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it. but I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this.

"The thing about where the women's game is, it isn't about me - it has to be about the collective.

"Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women's game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it's going to take everyone to help fixes. so for me, I always give back to the game, it's given me so much."

Aluko has admitted she was wrong to use Wright's name when making a broader point about opportunities for women. In a post on , she said: "lan Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women's game has been significant.

"In my interview with Woman's Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football - whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces - and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.

"But it was wrong for lan's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with lan for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."

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