Aaron Ramsey is backing Jack Wilshere to become a successful coach after the Arsenal legend called time on his career in the summer.
Wilshere, 30, hung up his boots at a relatively young age following his exit from Danish side AGF in July. The ex-midfielder ended his injury-hit career to move into coaching and become the manager of Arsenal's U18 side.
Ramsey, who represented the Gunners between 2008 and 2019, has expressed his regret at not playing alongside Wilshere more often at the Emirates due to injuries. Yet the Welshman believes his former team-mate has all the qualities needed to be a top manager.
"Jack called it a day, which was very sad to see," Ramsey tells Mirror Football . "[He was] obviously an unbelievable player on his day, very talented. It was a pleasure to play with him. I wish I had the opportunity to play with him a lot more, but he got injured [and then] I got injured [laughs at the irony] - so we didn't get a lot of time playing together."
Ramsey suffered a series of muscular injuries during his spell at Arsenal. It's also hard to forget the double fracture he suffered in his right leg after a challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross in February 2010. Thankfully, Ramsey recovered from the horrific injury.
Wilshere, meanwhile, suffered countless leg and ankle complaints during his playing days. His biggest injury was the stress fracture he suffered to an ankle in the summer of 2011, which ultimately caused him to miss more than a year of competitive action.
Do you think Jack Wilshere will become a successful manager? Let us know in the comments below!
The ex-midfielder's injury woes are now behind him, as he concentrates on bringing through the next generation. Wilshere's side are currently fifth in the U18 Premier League South after picking up eight points from their opening five games this season.
The team made the headlines in August when they hammered local rivals 4-1. Ramsey believes his former team-mate can go on to achieve more results like that over the coming years. "For him now, I think it's a great opportunity," adds the Wales international.
"He has that passion, that love of the game, where you knew he was going to stay involved and become a coach or a manager. It's a great platform for him to begin his managerial career, and I wish him all the best. I hope that he can give all of his experience and help [to] players."
Although Wilshere has called it a day, Ramsey has no plans to retire. He joined Nice in the summer and is enjoying himself in the picturesque French city. "There are worse places to come and play football," says Ramsey. "It has been very enjoyable so far."
He adds: "A lot of things are happening off the field [at Nice] as well. It is a very exciting time. I am enjoying it, I am enjoying playing again, getting some minutes under my belt, playing in some big games so hopefully can keep this up and contribute more."
BT Sport is the exclusive broadcaster of France’s Ligue 1 Uber Eats this season. Watch Nice v Nantes live on BT Sport 3 on Sunday 23rd October from 4pm. For more info, visit btsport.com
