D’MARGIO WRIGHT-PHILLIPS is making his own way after coming from a long line of brilliant footballers.
His dad Shaun, 42, starred for Manchester City, Chelsea and England during an illustrious career.
PAD’Margio Wright-Phillips has made 20 first team appearances for Stoke[/caption]
AlamyD’Margio Wright-Phillips is the son of Shaun and grandson of Ian Wright[/caption]
While his grandad Ian Wright is one of Arsenal‘s greatest ever goalscorers.
Even his uncle Bradley is sixth all-time in MLS goals.
D’Margio initially came through Man City’s academy, just as Shaun and Bradley did.
He left aged 19, however, in order to join Stoke City.
Now 22 the winger has played 20 times for the Potters’ first team, scoring twice.
He doesn’t lack for confidence, and even told The Times last year when comparing himself to Wright: “It’s the low centre of gravity, the confidence to try and take on a player.
“With my grandad, I’d say I think I’ve got better finishing than him.”
Wrighty, who scored 170 goals for Arsenal later responded: “Look at the chest on this yute .”
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News Group Newspapers LtdIan Wright scored 170 goals for Arsenal[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationShaun Wright-Phillips starred for Man City, Chelsea and England[/caption]
AP:Associated PressBradley Wright-Phillips is an MLS legend[/caption]
On being a footballer with an illustrious family history in the game, he said: “There is always going to be pressure in football no matter what sort of family you’ve got and, to be honest, I don’t really feel the pressure.
“To me, it’s just my dad, my grandad and my uncle but I’m definitely aware of it.
“I’ve watched a lot of my dad’s YouTube videos and a lot of my grandad’s YouTube videos — even my uncle — and it’s just amazing to see, because one day I would hope for my family to do that with me.”
While D’Margio is a boyhood City fan, he fondly recalls visiting Chelsea’s training ground as a kid during his dad’s stint with the Blues.
The winger said: “He used to take me and my little baby sister to the training ground and we used to see all the players.
“I really wanted to get to that level. At the time it felt normal but when I look back at it, sitting eating with Frank Lampard at a young age, I didn’t think much of it but now it’s kind of crazy and still think it’s crazy to this day because he was a legend for Chelsea.”
After falling out of favour with the Potters last term, Wright-Phillips joined League Two Northampton on loan.
With the Cobblers already going well, however, manager Jon Brady was reluctant to change his team – with Wright-Phillips being reduced to seven substitute appearances.
This season has so far been even more frustrating back at Stoke, with Wright-Phillips yet to feature in a matchday squad.
He has instead played four times for the Potters’ Under-21s in Premier League 2, scoring against Wolves in August.
With Stoke boss Alex Neil having been sacked yesterday, however, the door could yet re-open for Wright-Phillips to get a first-team chance at the bet365 Stadium.
Should it fail to materialise, however, you’d imagine he’ll be on the move in January.
Wright-Phillips is out of favour at StokeGetty
GettyHe spent time on loan at Northampton last season[/caption]