Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has just retired at the age of 30. After graduating from the club’s youth academy in 2008, at 16 and 256 days old, Wilshire became Arsenal’s youngest ever league debutant.
Widely predicted to emerge as a key figure for both Arsenal and England, Wilshere got off to a bright start to his career.
But his progress was hampered by multiple injuries and concerns about his off-field lifestyle.
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Wilshire made his debut in England in 2010, winning 34 caps and featuring in 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Although Wilshere won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, he never fulfilled his potential in 197 appearances for the Gunners.
He spent a season on loan at Bournemouth and made a permanent switch to West Ham in 2018.
Wilshere returned to Bournemouth on a short-term deal in January 2021 and also had a spell at Danish Superliga club AGF before deciding to hang up his boots on Friday.
I have lived my dream. Thank you all ️ pic.twitter.com/rB5gnyyUlK
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) 8 July 2022
“It’s been an incredible journey filled with incredible moments and I feel so fortunate to have experienced everything I went through in the course of my career,” Wilshere wrote on Twitter.
“From kicking the ball in the garden to captaining my dear Arsenal and playing for my country in the World Cup. I have lived my dream
“It’s really been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping in recent times for reasons beyond my control, while I feel like I still have a lot to offer.
“I have had time to reflect and talk with people close to me, I know now is the right time and I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved despite the difficult moments.”
Wilshere paid tribute to former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and his staff for giving him a chance in the Premier League.
“Words will never do justice to the love and thanks I have for Boss, Arsene, Pat Rice and Boro Primorac,” Wilshere said.
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