Ian Wright breaks silence on Eni Aluko controversy and refuses to accept her apology

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has spoken out to give his response to EnI Aluko's comments on his role in women's football, and he's not happy.

Earlier this week, Aluko made the controversial claim that fellow broadcaster Wright was blocking opportunities for female pundits in women's football.

The comments were immediately met with significant backlash from fans, causing Aluko to release a public statement online apologising for her claims.

But now, Wright has finally spoken out to address the comments, and he has revealed that he is not prepared to accept his fellow pundit's apology.

Throughout his career, Wright himself has commented on how he needs to be aware how much space he takes up within women's football, to allow opportunities for others.

But Aluko took this further, accusing the Arsenal legend of dominating the limited opportunities available within coverage of the sport.

Although she later apologised for these comments, accusing the media of taking her argument out of context for clickbait, Wright has publicly responded to confirm he would not be accepting her apology.

In a video posted to his Instagram, Wright addressed the comments.

He said: "I have to talk about this week and what's gone on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it.

"I've got to say, I'm very disappointed by 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.

"So, from me, I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it.

Ian Wright and Eni Aluko have worked together covering the Lionesses. (Image: Getty)

"But I also want to move on from it, for anyone watching this I really don't need any further social commentary on this.

"The thing about the women's game is, it can't be about individuals like me, it has to be about the collective.

"Because of the past and men blocking the women's game for 50 years, the game has systemic challenges and it's going to take everyone to try to fix it.

"So, from me, I'll always give back to the game, because it's given me so much. It's never bothered me who is playing the game, as long as they are playing the game."