Jack Wilshere has found himself a new role almost immediately after announcing his retirement from professional football.
After a career spanning 14 years, Wilshere has drawn the final curtain on his playing career. He took to social media on Friday afternoon to let the world know of his decision.
In an emotional message, Wilshere said: “I’ve lived my dream. Thank you all.”
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Minutes after his announcement, it looks like Wilshere will be making a swift return to the pitch though as a coach, not as a player.
According to The Athletic, the former England man is set to be appointed as Arsenal’s U18s head coach.
Wilshere has been chosen as the man to replace Dan Micciche, who left the club alongside former U23s head coach Kevin Betsy as the pair head to Crawley Town.
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The former midfielder got the job after impressing when he spent time working with the Arsenal youngsters last season while obtaining his coaching badges.
His strong relationship with former team mate, Per Mertesacker, who is now the manager of Arsenal’s academy helped his course to land the coaching role. Mertesacker was the man who led the recruitment process and conducted interviews.
The club are heading for a major shake up of their academy set up.
The Athletic also reported that Mehmet Ali, who came to the club from Reading in January to assist the U23s will be promoted to head coach of that team, and Ali will be supported by Max Porter who has previously been working with the U18s.
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Wilshere’s assistants for the U18 side is believed to be Adam Birchall and Julian Gray. Both Birchall and Gray played for the club’s academy.
Wilshere spent a total of 17 years at Arsenal where he came through the ranks and established himself as one of the best talents to ever come out of the club’s Hale End academy.
Famed for his neat ball control and clever movements, Wilshere showed the world exactly what he was capable of when he produced one of the finest individual displays in 2011. During a Champions League clash against Barcelona, the then 19-year-old Wilshere put in a Man of the Match performance to help Arsenal record a 2-1 win at the Emirates.
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Ultimately, it was a career that promised so much but delivered little. A true generational talent that has been badly hampered by injuries.
Wilshere will now hope to help the new generation at Arsenal to reach their full potential.
Topics: Jack Wilshere, Arsenal
Marcus Chan