Football saved my life after a prison sentence at 19, I was a plasterer and bricklayer before making it, says Ian Wright

IAN WRIGHT owes his life to a two-week prison sentence as a “lost” 19-year-old.

What followed was a glittering career for club and country before becoming a beloved TV pundit.

The SunIan Wright visited Pentonville Prison yesterday[/caption]

The SunIan Wright set up the Twinning Project alongside ex-Arsenal chairman David Dein for Premier League clubs to work with prisoners[/caption]

The SunWright hopes the initiative can inspire prisoners to turn their lives around[/caption]

But Wright, who turned 60 this month, is now working hard to ensure football helps prison inmates forge a new path on the outside.

Ex-Arsenal chairman David Dein set up the Twinning Project in October 2018, linking football clubs and prisons to provide education and support.

Dein’s first recruit was Wright, who he signed for the Gunners from Crystal Palace for a then club record £2.5million fee in 1991.

There are now 73 English clubs partnered to local jails.

Wright has previously recalled how he broke down in tears after being put in a cell in Chelmsford Prison in 1982 for non-payment of driving fines.

He later became a plasterer and bricklayer before his football career took off.

During a visit yesterday to Pentonville Prison — a mile’s walk from the Emirates Stadium — with Dein and Justice Minister Edward Argar, he took part in a graduation ceremony for 15 inmates who had completed an FA coaching qualification alongside the Arsenal Foundation.

Wright said: “Football saved my life but people are still in two minds about giving an offender a chance.

Times Newspapers LtdWright was David Dein’s first signing at Arsenal[/caption]

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

“By the time I got my opportunity at Palace at 22, I was ready because I clawed myself away from the bad elements in my life, doing silly things.

“People say the straight and narrow, it’s not straight and narrow, it’s twisty, it’s a nightmare, storms and hurricanes. What I would say to them now is: ‘You’re choosing to go on this path. It’s not easy but you have to stick with it’.”

Asked if Wright’s conviction made him think twice about signing him 32 years ago, Dein said: “No.

“He served his time. Going to prison is the punishment, losing your job and self-respect. Being in prison should be for rehabilitation.”