The news comes just over 24 hours after it was reported that he had left Danish club AGF after less than five months and is now “considering his next step” in his career. Wilshere became the Gunners’ youngest league debutant at the age of 16 years and 256 days in 2008 after coming through the club’s Academy. The midfielder, who has struggled with a series of injuries, won the FA Cup twice in back-to-back seasons with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015 before moving to Bournemouth and then West Ham. Wilshere returned to the Cherries on a short-term deal in January 2021 and also moved to Danish Superliga club AGF. After making his England debut in 2010, Wilshere won 34 caps and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced everything I’ve done during my career,” Wilshere said in his retirement announcement on Twitter. “From being the little boy kicking a ball in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country in a World Cup. I lived my dream. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere says generations of footballers grew up wanting to play like Diego Maradona. “Actually, it’s been hard to accept that my career has been slipping away lately for reasons beyond my control, when I feel like I still had so much to give. “Having played at the highest level, I’ve always had such huge ambitions within the game and if I’m honest, I didn’t envisage being in this position sometimes.
Wilshere’s five best career moments
That night against Barcelona – Arsenal faced one of the best Barcelona sides of all time, with a 19-year-old Wilshere tasked with facing the likes of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Against formidable tiki taka football, Wilshere showed grit, guile and equal technical guile as Arsene Wenger’s side won 2-1 in one of the best nights in their recent history. Goal of the season against Norwich – Wilshere didn’t score much throughout his career, but when he did it was special. His best in the Premier League was a stunning team goal against Norwich in 2013 which saw him combine beautifully with Sadi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud to win Goal of the Season – an award he won a year later for a botched effort against him. West Bromwich Albion. Brazil dominates – Wilshere made his England debut in 2010 but had to wait three years to become a regular for the Three Lions. He was awarded man of the match against Brazil in 2013 to announce himself on the international stage, playing a major role in England’s 2-1 opener – the Three Lions’ first victory over the Selecao in almost a quarter of a century. The biggest indication that he would be England’s future. Helping Arsenal win the FA Cup – It’s the second half of extra time in the 2014 FA Cup Final and Arsenal are drawing 2-2 against Hull. Wilshere came on at Wembley on short notice and within four minutes, he was involved in the winning goal. Wilshere’s hilarious pass fell to Yaya Sanogo, who played the ball to Olivier Giroud. The French forward’s drive found Aaron Ramsey in the box, who headed home the winner. Wilshere’s intervention helped Arsenal end a nine-year run without a trophy, with the midfielder helping the Gunners to the same trophy a year later, also off the bench. Saving England vs Slovenia – The Three Lions were 1-0 away to Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier in June 2015 when Wilshere walked the game. The midfielder scored two epic long-range efforts to put England back in front as Roy Hodgson’s side won the vital encounter 3-2.
“However, having had time to think and talk to those closest to me, I know now is the right time and despite the difficult times, I look back on my career with great pride in what I have achieved. “Playing at the highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my team and representing my country was beyond my wildest dreams as a little boy growing up in Hitchin. “I feel very lucky to have had the career I have had, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of so many people.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere highlights the importance of talking openly about mental health and how talking to others has helped him. Wilshere paid tribute to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and his staff for giving the young midfielder a chance. “Words will never do justice to the love and thanks I have for the boss, Arsene, Pat Rice and Boro Primorac,” Wilshere said. “Without your faith, support and guidance from the very first day we met, I would not have been able to become part of the Arsenal family. I am forever grateful to all of you. “To the best fans on the planet, all you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Playing for all of you has been a privilege.
Jack Wilshere’s injury nightmare
Ankle injury: November 2009 – 12 days – 4 games missed Sprained ankle: July 2011 – 56 days – 10 games missed Ankle surgery: September 2011 – 127 days – 25 games missed Stress fracture: February 2012 – 104 days – 19 games missed Knee surgery: May 2012 – 125 days – 6 games missed Leg hair: March 2014 – 57 days – 11 games lost Ankle Injury: November 2014 – 90 days – 19 games missed Fibula hair growth crack: August 2015 – 247 days – 47 games missed Fibula hair growth crack: April 2017 – 112 days – 1 game missed Ankle injury: September 2018 – 82 days – 11 games missed Ankle surgery: December 2018 – 138 days – 22 games missed Groin injury: October 2019 – 221 days – 22 games missed Calf injury: September 2020 – 11 days – 4 games missed
“You always made me feel supported and I hope I made you proud representing your club. I will never forget how you always supported me and I will forever be a Gooner.” Wilshere showed he could still be involved in the game afterwards. “I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime,” he said. “Now is the right time to close this chapter, but I still have so much to give to the game and I’m excited for what the future holds.” Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart responded to the same Instagram post, writing: “Top player mate. Lots of love and luck for the future.” Robbie Keane replied: “Good luck for the future mate,” while Declan Rice added: “Wilsh, love you bro. Honored to know you and play with you!”
