Ian Wright tearfully remembers childhood teacher 

“And because he was 3 or 4 steps up, I felt like I was 7 again” wow 🥺

Ian Wright is a national treasure. A very humble and likable human being.

I think we all turned into bumbling crying people after watching this video. So very moving......

It’s teachers like Mr Pigden that make this world a better place.

Wrighty had issues because his real Dad disowned him and left the family when he was small. He was bought up by his mother in a tough Council estate in Brockley. Sid Pigden was like the father Wrighty never had. Nice one Ian, real men always show their emotions.

Anyone who can have an impact in someone’s life like this, famous or not has achieved something more valuable than gold.

Sidney Pigden fought in WW2, flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, strafing enemy positions, and was then chosen to fly over Buckingham Palace after the end of the war. At 23 years old. Let that sink in. At an age most of us start to try and grow a wispy moustache Mr. Pigden was flying fighter planes giving Nazi Germany a hard time. What a singular blessing for Ian to be able to have such a man as a mentor.

What so many young lads miss in their life , A man who cares...

Whoever's chopping onions can bugger off!

He was more proud of the impact he had on others than of his own achievements. Now that is a man who teaches with devotion.

1:41 "And then I hugged him and because he was 3 or 4 steps up, I felt like I was like 7 again." how beautiful is this! it was unintended and yet reality somehow literally placed him in such a way he felt like he was right back to when he was a 7 year old kid hugging his loving teacher!

Seriously, how can anyone thumb this down? If all people had respect for others like this the world would be a much better place!!

“They will all be crying with you..” she had no clue how right she was… Ian got a gift… someone he thought was gone forever came back and he got to hug that person again… I’m sure all of us have someone we would love to hug again.

Listening to Ian’s voice breaking is really poignant. I can identify with this. I am proud to have been a member of the teaching profession. I began wearing an academic gown preparing lads for university but ended my career teaching troubled lads in a PRU in inner city Liverpool. I had the honour to be one lad’s best man at his wedding but stood at the graveside of one of my lads who was out of reach and took 8 bullets to the chest. I’m now 68 years of age and recovering from surgery for cancer but I am proud that I once served as a teacher.

Wrightys always been a legend- he wears his heart on his sleeve and is a genuine person. Ian Wright Wright Wright!! So good they named him thrice!!

Ian Wright Wright Wright 👍 Mr Pigden is a legend risked his life in ww2 and then going out of his way to help help another legend. Black boys need more Mr Pigden's in their lives. RIP in peace Mr Pigden you are an inspiration. Ian Wright you are a legend. If David Rocastle was alive he'd be proud of you. Both Rocky and Mr Pigden are proud of you and watching over you. Blood doesn't determine family.

I'm a young black man grew up in inner london and a lot of us boys had a male role model like Mr. pigden. I remember going to sunday school in Hackney and all I can remember was how nice my teacher was, I don't remember the bible studies but remember how happy I was and how the teacher always gave us all sweets and made sure we had a happy Sunday. I remember my teacher coming to my birthday party and being so polite and open towards my extended family. I remember some very rough days (dark times due to intolerable life circumstances and cancer of a sibling) and the kind of appreciation and warmth my teacher would show. I remember my teacher would see me and always make sure I would be smiling instead of frowning, he would see me walking alone morose on the school grounds and make a point of stopping and cheering me up. Other teacher's would play basketball against students during lunch breaks. I feel in this PC woke age of "intersectionality" they demonise people and are ironically quite racist. There were many old white male teachers I knew that were truly amazing and kind, they were such positive male role models. There are a lot fewer male teachers nowadays and it's a shame as it can likely contribute to why young men of different groups are performing poorly in school. I'm sure a lot of people can look back and remember a teacher in their life like Mr.Pigden. I hope that passion and amazing mentorship doesn't totally die out. I know having that really helped me. I'm sure for young men from single parent households it is invaluable, I hope schools understand Mr. Wrights story and how important pastoral care and mentorship is for young students.

I don't know why he chose me. But I'm glad he did.

It’s powerful because he was more proud of playing a part in another man’s glory than he was in his own. In many respects Mr.Pigden was the epitome of that old breed of men who are now taking their final curtain calls.

When I had to leave my teaching job, I taught 5th grade in Detroit, and several of my students had it bad. My one kid, this giant kid who never showed emotion or anything, sat with me in the hallway and cried in my arms. Told me he looked at me like a mom and appreciated how much I loved him. I'll NEVER forget that moment. I lost it, cried like a baby. Several of my students said similar things, but for him to break down and be vulnerable was so touching. I miss being around kids like that. I wasn't the best teacher, lol, I would have been great at counseling, but I LOVED my kids so much.

It’s been 10 years since that clip went viral and it still makes me cry every time!

I don't like football but love this guy. Straight forward, honest and no BS. Mr. Pidgen I'm sure affected many other kids in a positive way too. What a great legacy to leave behind.

I love how Ian involuntarily removed his hat as an automatic mark of respect for the great man. Oh what a lovely moment--two good men. Bless you, Ian!

“They’ll all be crying with you, don’t you worry” We’ll played ma’am. We’ll played🥺

Just heard this on the radio. How beautiful is that. Because he was a few steps up it especially made him feel like a kid again. So beautiful. I didnt have parents, I didnt have friends or teachers for more than a year in one place... I would love just one instance of this. Someone being proud of me. So this was espe5touching for me.....

Love this. He talks about Mr Pigden in his autobiography with such high praise. Probably wouldn't be an overstatement to say he would have turned out very differently if it hadn't been for Mr Pigden. All my respect

"they'll be crying with you" holy shit. Called it as tears came down my face. In a world filled with negative media and evils, to see two men, a teacher and student, in such a sincere and pure connection is beautiful. I'll never be as famous or rich as Ian. But the fact that he didn't break down over riches and fame, but over the sight of his mentor, is so amazing. Reminds me of my own figures that make me who I am. Even at 27, the mentors I have now that help me through life are a Godsend. This man never lost sight of that. Props to both gentlemen. Great example of a good bond.

By this testimony, Pigden now has impacted the millions who have seen this.

to pass on the pride of your country as on of the youngest pilots in the RAF, to then fly over Buckingham palace to mark the end of the war.... to pass that pride on and say you were more proud of Ian for his international representation. Christ. hats of to you Lad. may i hope to see you in the after life to buy you a pint. cheers from the states. EDIT: looking back on this... I'm more proud of what his teacher did, to make someone feel so important and validated in life, especially with the situation Ian was in as a child... what a wonderful human being.

"they'll all be crying with you Ian, don't worry" - never have truer words been said

As an American, I know very little of Football. (Well, lets not talk about the "American version" for the moment, yes?) But I honestly got chocked up every time I saw that original clip. HUGE fan of Ian Wright, the man...if not the athlete. And now, seeing this; I believe him to be a true Angel of a human being. To hear him speak with such overwhelmed passion brings a tear to my eye every time. Bless you England for having humans of this caliber!

Trying to explain to my coworker why my eyes are a bit teary and bloodshot. What a wonderful interview. The respect for his teacher is old school beautiful.

Rip Mr pigden God bless you

I am definitely not a football fan, but watching this, Ian Wright shows himself a true man, acknowledging the effect Mr Pigden had in his life, a lifelong effect, which only a real teacher can instill, Mr Pigden knew the second Ian turned round, recognised him and instantly removed his cap that every second he had invested in Ian had worked, a lovely moment that is once in a lifetime. RIP Sir..

Rest in peace Mr Pigden.

Great teachers can change the world.

I’m an Arsenal fan and when I saw this thought, have to listen, but I was blown away by this humbling interview, thanks Wrighty 😎👍

It'd be beautiful if everyone had a Mr Pigden in their lives. If you weren't that lucky, BE the Mr Pigden to someone else.

This is how important it is to have a father figure!

Bro I'm Spanish and have tears in my eyes, love is international bros, so touching.❤

The power of teachers when they care

As a 54 year old man, I have to say that was beautiful to listen to. Ian Wright was a very special talent on the pitch. Great to hear he's something special off it too.

RIP Mr. Pigden. Truly a legendary legacy.

Amazing. Ian is tough guy. But those WW2 Pilots were made of different gravy - so brave. Clearly a man who made a difference x

The value of having male role models and mentors for young boys. We see it in women but I think it is important for men as well, as this clearly shows. Hats off to the teachers that make the world of a difference to their kids.

This is why I love ian fucking wright. A true patriot. The respect he has for a man who guided him. The way he says when we won the war. Love that about him. He is an English man . His gratitude, his most profund respect. Also when he says when I played for England. Chills. That's all ian wright ever wanted to do. He did it. And Mr pidgen helped him achieve it. Love wright. Love Mr pidgen

What a beautiful relationship. Wrighty playing for England was the most proud Mr. Pidgen ever was, and unveiling Mr. Pigden's plaque was the most proud Wrighty ever was.

This is one of the most moving, heartfelt, beautiful tributes i have ever heard. Only love can do that. Love that flows freely between people. No apology needed, Ian, we wept with you, and for you, and for the person you lost.

Felt like I was 7 again !! Man that hit hard 👍

I'm welling up, really touching and restores my faith in humanity.

In absolute tears, I remember a teacher Mrs Collins in my infant school who believed in me and showed me care, love and encouragement and coming from an abusive violent home that meant the world to me X they stay in your heart forever influence's like that so totally get Ian's emotions over his amazing mentor X vulnerability is a great strength 💚

The reporter was correct… I’m crying… i love the honesty that resonates from Ian’s voice

Never been moved like this in a long time. Rest in peace Sydney ✌

If everyone in the world was like Ian and his teacher together think how much better the world would be. Two lovely great characters respect to you both

This reflects on sooooo much more then just a guy meeting his teacher. From a kid who grew up in a broken family to reach this level, a white man taken care of a black kid (in those days), the last few of the WW2 heroes, 1 of best players of England and not to mention his utter respect and manners (see him take of his hat) or the reflection him being a kid again. It is an inspiring thing to so many folks out there bickering of whats and nots, where those 2 are the example.. it is possible.

To hear him say he felt like he was 7 again in the video just hits hard Idk why but for wtv reason I could just tell he felt how he felt when he was young just from the way he held his hand incredibly beautiful honestly

The world needs more Sydneg Pigdens. Great man and a great Legacy he has left behind. Much love

You never forget people who give you their time where its so easy to just do your own thing....

God, i bawl every time I hear this. It’s so pure

Big fat one's pouring out of my eyes watching that Wrighty lad, what a fella. We've always loved him at Leeds, and we hate everybody. RIP MR Pigden.

I refuse to watch this video any more. I've cried too many times. 🙈😭😂💓

"They'll all be crying with you Ian"...Yup!

Ian your a National Treasure same as Mr Pigden ❤❤

This is fabulous. I watched Ian’s show recently where he went into detail about his childhood, it was very tough and the father figure in his life was nothing short of a bastard. This is clearly why Ian reveres this man so much, he took him under his wing and showed him the way. What a fantastic man Ian’s teacher was.

Never been a big football fan, but Ian always strikes me as a really decent, humble guy and listening to him speak here reinforces that even more..

I'm a true and true Spurs fan.....But this got me in the feels...Much Respect....

I'm currently in the process of training to be a teacher. If I can change a kid's life for the better and be half as good a teacher as this man was, I'll have done well.

this broke me. the video in the stadium made me cry like a child

This. This is why so many educators teach children 100 times more than merely the school curriculum. I had teachers who added the same level of quality to my life, and I’ll never forget them.

Your interviewer was absolutely right. We are all crying with you!

That’s why we all love wrighty, ....even us spurs fans! Great player and an even better man.

What a man. I don't even follow football but knew the name. Interviews don't come better than this. Now back to work. Thank you Ian Wright for being Ian Wright.

A lovely frank tribute from Ian to a dedicated teacher. Teachers can make or break kids.

I still think of that one teacher who understood me, helped me through hard times, and didn’t speak to me like he had an authoritarian boost. Crazy how one person can affect someone's life so much and half the time they don't even know it.

Proof that teachers can change lives !

Ian Wright - legend and what a humble bloke . UTV

I'm not crying. You're crying... Beautiful story! Big love Wrighty. RIP Mr. Pigden.

We’re still all crying with you Ian!

Still watch this video often, to remind me how important it is to be there for my son. The fact my father didn't bother, but I had a couple of Mr Pigsons to guild me through, and they didn't even know it.

When you hear such praises about a man after his death, you know that money or recognition didn't matter to him. He just wanted to raise a young boy as best as he could as a teacher. What a man!

Two amazing men

A great role model is priceless

Ian turned back into that kid in school as soon as he saw his teacher. He took his hat off and his eye were wide open. That man instilled confideance and a sense of worth in Ian. In turn Ian gave confidance and self worth to a whole nation and club supports. Ian was my faviorte player growing up. I'm thankful for the life of Mr. Pigden and teachers like him. They are world changers.

Spurs supporter here. So moving to hear. Great player wrighty for club (unfortunately) and country (fortnightly). Amazing teacher too for helping him achieve this

Teachers can often be taken for granted but the good ones can change lives. Respect to Wrighty for not forgetting his special teacher and respect to the man who set him on the right path.

Young boys need someone who provides guidance. So nice that Ian feels grateful to his teacher.

to see a star of his calibre reacting like that to a humble teacher… faith in humanity

What a decent human being. Both of them.

Heck I’m a mad Spurs fan and I absolutely love this. Wrighty always seemed like such a likeable bloke - even when he was terrorising Spurs backs. Imagine his life without Mr Pigden - none of what he achieved would have happened. What a man that teacher was.

What a testament to mentorship and nurturing young people. Great, great story.

How could anyone not like Ian Wright, great personality

Ian Wright. What a lovely man you are. You are a legend my friend.

Takes a real man to share with us all the depth of feelings that make you cry. Thanks Wrighty you are still paying forward the love and respect from your beloved teacher and his example is now with us all.

I come back to this again and again. It’s beautiful. Absolutely love Ian Wright ❤

We could all use a Mr Pigden in our lives.

Beautiful moment ❤️ I'm a 70 year old retired truck driver with a tear in my eye. God bless ❤

I love ian wright. That story to me is almost the meaning of life and purpose in the world. To be able to give one person that love and empathy is what it's all for. That is so powerful.

One man or woman can change the world for one man or woman And I would call them a hero.

Two absolutely INCREDIBLE men. Bless them both. Much love from Minnesota, US.❤❤❤❤

Who is giving this the thumbs down ?? I watched the documentary on Ian Wright this week and looked for this video afterwards. I’m a villa fan but love Ian Wright, incredible what he achieved after having such a hard start in life. What a lovely man his teacher must have been too. Great video, may he rest in peace and love Wrighty even more after watching this. There are some nice things that happen in the world too