Ian Wright has sadly admitted to having a "tough week" following controversial claims made by former England footballer Eni Aluko.
The beloved pundit addressed the situation on his YouTube podcast Crossways, which he co-hosts with former England women's captain Steph Houghton.
Aluko had claimed Wright was "blocking opportunities" in women's football, sparking significant backlash.
The comments were particularly surprising given Wright's long-standing reputation as a champion of the women's game.
Ian Wright has sadly admitted to having a "tough week" following controversial claims made by former England footballer Eni Aluko
CROSSWAYS
"It's been a bit of an up-and-down week. But at the end of the day, it's all sorted," Wright said on the podcast.
"It's been quite a tough week."
Aluko faced significant criticism for her comments about Wright, who is widely regarded as a major advocate of women's football.
Following the backlash, the 38-year-old backtracked and issued an apology to Wright.
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Eni Aluko has triggered a backlash with her comments on Ian WrightGettyHowever, the 61-year-old refused to accept the apology, instead stating it was time to "move on" from the situation.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Aluko has stepped down from her role as host of the Women's Football Awards.
During the podcast, Houghton publicly supported Wright, taking a stance against her former England teammate Aluko.
"Ian, can I just say this, and this has not been pre-empted, I think I posted on Instagram," Houghton said.
READ MORE: Eni Aluko, 38, forced to quit presenting role as Ian Wright criticism continues to backfire
She continued with heartfelt praise: "What you have done for our game is unbelievable and you've got to take all the credit that everybody's thrown at you this week because you are a super hero."
The former England captain added: "And I love working with you."
Wright appeared visibly moved by Houghton's words of support.
The moment highlighted the strong relationship between the podcast co-hosts, with the Arsenal icon supported at such a tough time.
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He beamed with delight at Houghton's support, responding: "I love you Steph. To see you come out publicly like that for me is just nice."
The pundit was keen to shift focus away from individual drama and back to the collective effort in women's football, however.
"I'm not going to go into it but I just really appreciate the public support that I got," Wright added.
Ian Wright has been backed by Steph Houghton after the controversy surrounding Eni Aluko
CROSSWAYS
"But I just wish, it's not about the individual in the women's game, it's just about the collective."
As for Aluko, it's unclear what the future holds for the former England women's footballer.
ITV backed Wright in a statement earlier this week, plunging her future with the broadcaster into doubt.
