Football icon breaks down in tears after reuniting with beloved teacher who he thought had passed away
Some people are privileged to have a mentor and support system in the form of a person. This person picks one up and encourages and pushes them to be the best version of themselves. Former footballer Ian Wright was thrilled to have his teacher on a roller coaster of his life, supporting and motivating him throughout. In an interview with BBC, Wright recalled how he is everything that he is because of his teacher. Growing up in a violent home, the footballer didn’t have much to cling to but his primary teacher, Mr. Syd Pigden, who came through when he needed him the most.
“Mr. Pidgen, he wanted to teach and he probably wanted to teach because he wanted to find a student so he could change their life. It was me, I was that guy,” Wright proudly said. Wright has accomplished a 15-year golden soccer career with multiple wins of different titles from his performance on the field, per The42. The FA Cup, the Premier League, the Golden Boot are some of the achievements that have the player standing as one of the much-loved and looked up to footballers. Wright owes the credit to Mr. Pigden, pointing out that he gave him “self-worth,” and so much more.
Recalling an event in 2005, when Wright was still in his career, playing for Arsenal, he mentioned how he reunited with Mr. Pigden. Sharing the clip of the same, a flabbergasted Wright was seen staring at his beloved professor whom he thought had passed away. “Hello Ian, long time no see,” Mr. Pigden said. Wright had been told that his professor had passed away but seeing the man in flesh standing in front of his eyes, holding his hand, Wright was moved to tears.
Immediately beginning to bawl in tears, Wright couldn’t help but cover his face as his professor assured him he was proud of what he had done with his life. Like a child yearning for affection and finally getting the same, Wright felt no different. Wright couldn’t believe his eyes but felt immense relief and joy upon seeing the man who had been his backbone through it all. “I don’t know why I didn’t tell Mr. Pigden what was going on at home but he encouraged me throughout,” he exclaimed.
A striking memory that stuck with the footballer was when his teacher expressed how proud he was. “He was a fighter pilot in World War II and a young one as well. He was one of the pilots that was chosen to do the fly-by over Buckingham Palace. He said he was prouder of the fact that I played for Arsenal and England than he was flying over Buckingham Palace. You can’t top that sort of thing and that’s what teaching meant to him, because he was just trying to reach people,” Wright shared.
Recalling the experience that shook yet delighted him, Wright said, “He’s very special to me. But I think what was more important to me than anything was how much he actually loved being a teacher. It’s amazing what a teacher can do to somebody in their life.” Mr. Pidgen passed away a few years ago, but Wright ensured his legacy was carried forward. He dedicated his autobiography to him as a special person in his life. There is not a single day that goes by without him remembering the mentor who made him who he is.