News

Former England and Arsenal footballer Ian Wright has been invited to visit Israel by the country's tourism minister.

Isaac Herzog is reported to have been informed that the ex-striker was planning a trip to the country and decided to welcome him as an official guest, reports the Jerusalem Post.

Wright was apparently encouraged to visit the country by former team mate at Manchester City, Israeli Eyal Berkovic.

'I'm really pleased about this as I was going to pay for it myself,' joked Wright, who once held the goal scoring record at Arsenal.

'When you listen to someone like Rio Ferdinand [Manchester United and England defender] telling you that it's humbling, uplifting and emotional to visit - especially the historical places like the Wailing Wall and the Via Dolorosa - it makes you really want to go.

'I want to spend a few weeks there and do the whole tourism thing, it's a wonderful place,' he added.

Wright's affiliation with Israel has continued with the Israel Tourism Board holding a reception at Arsenal Football Club's new state-of-the-art Emirate's Stadium and inviting the former player as a guest of honour.

The reception was organised to celebrate the signing of a deal between the tourism officials and Arsenal which will see advertisements for Israel displayed on the billboards around the pitch during matches.

It is hoped that the ground-breaking deal will raise the profile of Israel as a tourist destination among British people.

© Adfero Ltd