Ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has backed his former teammate Jack Wilshere to succeed in his journey into coaching and football management. Wilshere, 30, called a day on his professional playing career earlier this year and was appointed the head coach of the Arsenal under-18s.
The midfielder had a promising future at the Emirates Stadium with one of his best performances coming against Barcelona in the Champions League. At just 19-years-old, Wilshere ran the midfield and was named Player of the Match against the likes of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
Injuries ravaged his career from then on, meaning he struggled to hit the potential that he otherwise had shown to have. After retiring in the summer, he took a role as the under-18s head coach and said on the challenge: "It's a huge honour to have this role, it's no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and you know a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life.
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"This is a big opportunity for me and I'm ready. I'm hungry and can't wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch. It's a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can't wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me."
While Wilshere went that way in his career, another former Arsenal midfielder in Ramsey went another way and prolonged his career further, recently joining OGC Nice in the summer on a free transfer. While their current paths are different, the Wales international has backed his former teammate to succeed into management, a path taken by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
"For him now, I think it's a great opportunity," Ramsey told the Mirror when asked about Wilshere's new role. "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."
It remains to be seen if Wilshere can replicate the successes of Arteta at Arsenal or elsewhere, but he will certainly be hoping he can take that step up when the time comes.
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