Ian Wright, 56, has been praised by fans for giving an "emotional" and "raw" interview about his life on BBC Sounds' Desert Island Discs.
The former footballer – who appeared on I'm A Celebrity last year – discussed his youth, career and family life with host and DJ Lauren Laverne.
During the chat Ian was overwhelmed with emotion and burst into sobs when he spoke to Lauren about one of his school teachers Sydney Pigden – who was instrumental in his development.
Sydney helped the England and Arsenal striker overcome his rage and break free from his bullying stepfather, in a friendship that lasted until Sydney’s death two years ago.
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Ian explained the first time he met the teacher when he was a child, who took him under his wing and "gave him a sense of use" as he made him register collector and milk monitor.
He reflected that before that he was a troublesome student.
Ian fought back the tears as he told Lauren about them being reunited in 2019 after he thought Sydney was dead.
Reflecting on the moment, Ian told: "He said how proud he is of me. And then I hugged him and because he was three or four steps up, I felt like I was seven again.
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"I remember him saying, because he was one of the youngest pilots in World War Two and when we won the war, he was one of the pilots chosen to do the flyover of Buckingham Palace.
"I remember him saying he was more proud of the fact that I played for England than him flying over Buckingham Palace. Love that man."
As the star blubbered and apologised for his emotion Lauren comforted him before he said that unveiling the plaque – that led to them being reunited – at his former school Turnham School for Sydney was one of the best moments of his life.
Listeners of the show took to Twitter to praise the sporting sensation for being so honest and open.
One penned: "I listened to Ian Wright’s Desert Island Disc podcast today whilst out running. Raw, emotional, touching, unapologetic, charming and funny. Best thing I’ve heard on the radio in years."
Others contributed: "Ian Wright on Desert Island Discs was revelatory. Very moving and honest," and "More importantly have you listened to the Ian Wright desert island discs interview? Not a gooner as you know but wow that was one emotional listen. Love and respect."
Another typed: "Ian Wright talking about his teacher on Desert Island Discs will have you in floods of tears Emotional rollercoaster! Listen with a box of tissues @IanWright0."
A choked-up social media user added: "Omg ian wright's desert island disks is too much for me right now."
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