Arsenal legend Ian Wright’s grandson D’Margio Wright-Phillips, 17, aims to emulate dad Shaun’s success at Man City
GIVEN his genes, the expectation at the Etihad Campus over D'Margio Wright-Phillips' potential is huge.
For over the past 17 years the Man City winger has been moulded by his famous family, with Shaun Wright-Phillips for a father and Ian Wright as his granddad.
D'Margio, who has been at City since the age of 11, signed his first professional deal last week and aims to follow in the footsteps of his former winger dad.
He certainly had the speed of his father when he won the Manchester schools track cycling championship in 2014.
Dad Shaun went on to win a Premier League title with Chelsea having picked up City's young player of the year gong over four consecutive years - between 1999 and 2003.
In fact, D'Margio was born in the month after his father made his first-team debut for City.
And so it is no surprise that he believes his style of play is similar to that of his father, as well as a more contemporary star of the game.
Some people might think I’ve got in because of my dad but that’s not the case.
D'Margio Wright-Phillips
Asked by which first-team player he is most like, D'Margio said: "I've always liked watching Raheem Sterling. I guess I'd also say my dad, too."
D'Margio, who celebrates goals with a back-flip, insists nepotism played no role in his rapid rise.
He said: "I remember him asking me once when I was playing in the Sunday League, 'Do you want me to try and help you to get in?' and I said I wanted to do it myself.
"Looking back I think that has probably helped to push me more. Some people might think I’ve got in because of my dad but that’s not the case."
D'Margio has represented England at youth level, while dad Shaun won 36 full caps and granddad Ian made 33 appearances and scored nine goals.
Back in 2017, when D'Margio was called up to England U16s, his dad was making his debut for Phoenix Rising while his uncle, Bradley, had signed a new deal for fellow MLS club New York Red Bulls.
Speaking back then, Wrighty said: “All I want is for him to be focused on being the best he can be, and going as far as he can – and I’m sure he will be.
“And D’Margio knows it will be even harder for him because he’s following two generations having played Premier League and international football.”
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But the youngster has excelled at the Etihad Campus.
In 2018, D'Margio helped City to the treble and scored in the final against Arsenal.
He provided 11 assists and scored four goals in 22 appearances in the Under-18s Premier League last season.
Such form saw the youngster called up to train alongside Pep Guardiola's champions last season before being rewarded with a professional contract.
D'Margio posted an image of himself signing the deal in front of his beaming father and wrote: "Happy to sign my pro contract and a lot of hard work to come."
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Shaun added: "Well done son! Very very proud dad here, keep up up the hard work and the rest will come!!"
D'Margio hopes to one day wear his dad's number — 24 — in the sky blue of City.
Regardless of his family tree, D'Margio is certainly made of the Wright stuff.