Ian Wright opens up about 'unhappy' childhood, early football struggles

Former Arsenal footballer Ian Wright has revealed in an interview facts about his unhappy childhood, his determination to make it big in football and his friendship with former teammate David Rocastle, who died aged 33.

The former England striker revealed his torment of living with his 'bully' stepfather, adding that he could not understand how anyone could treat a child like his stepfather treated him.

According to the Daily Star, however, Arsenal's second top goalscorer of all time said that his childhood pushed him on to do his best in football although he became frustrated and came close to hanging up his boots before his career had even started after almost every London football club rejected him for a trial as a teenager.

But, the report mentioned that three days before his 22nd birthday, Wright was given a shot at by Crystal Palace and he said that his mother was the first person to know his news.

Wright also explained how he experienced overnight fame at the late age of 26 after scoring twice in the FA Cup final in 1990, before joining Arsenal a year later and how his move to Arsenal reunited him with good friend David Rocastle, who he had grown up with in his teens.

The report mentioned that Rocastle had shot to fame in the Arsenal team while Wright was left to earn his place six years after joining Palace.

Rocastle died aged 33 of cancer and Wright revealed how his death played a big part on his mental game.

Wright also spoke about his time at school and his relationship with one teacher that taught him some of the most important parts of the game.