Jack Wilshere has made a return to Arsenal this summer as the new head coach of the under-18s side. The former midfielder came through the academy himself, going on to become a first-team regular for many years.
It comes after the 30-year-old announced his retirement from his professional playing career just days ago. Taking to social media in an emotional statement, he said: "To the best supporters on the planet, all of you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. To play for you all has been a privilege.
"You've always made me feel supported, and I hope I did you proud-representing your club. I'll never forget how you always backed me, and I'll forever be a Gooner... Now is the right time to close this chapter, but I still have so much to give to the game, and I am excited about what the future holds."
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The end of his statement hinted at a possible place within football as a coach, something which has now been made official by his new role as the under-18s head coach. The ex-England international knows exactly what it takes to make it through the academy, having progressed form there and into the first-team before going on to make nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners.
On his new role, Wilshere told the official Arsenal website : "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 a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. 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, and 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."
A former teammate of his and current academy manager Per Mertesacker added: "This is great news for everyone involved in our academy. We have made a number of really positive changes in the last few weeks and I believe that we have the best possible people here to build on the progress that we’ve made in recent years.
"Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal. He understands what we want to achieve here and he really impressed us last year. He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football."
The Gunners continue to bring through plenty of youth options and turn them into stars. Wilshere will be hoping he can play a big part in bringing through the next Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe or Eddie Nketiah.
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