Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from football at the age of 30. The former Arsenal and England midfielder has decided to call time on a playing career. One that saw him make 182 Premier League appearances and earn 34 caps for his country.
Wilshere Announces Retirement
Wilshere wrote in a lengthy statement posted on Twitter: “It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career. From being the little boy kicking a ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup.
“I have lived my dream. In truth it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give.”
Wilshere had spent last season with Danish side Aarhus on a short term deal. However they announced this week that the former England international would not be returning next season. The two-time FA Cup winner spent 17 years with Arsenal, rising through the youth ranks. He made his first-team debut in 2008 and became the club’s youngest league debutant at the age of 16.
He made 197 first-team appearances for Arsenal, before leaving in 2018 to seek more opportunities following the arrival of Unai Emery. Wilshere, who also won the Community Shield with Arsenal as well as several individual honours. Most notably, the PFA Young Player of the Year award for 2010-11, played 36 times in stints at West Ham and Bournemouth.
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After training with former club Arsenal while being a free agent, he signed a short-term deal with Aarhus in February. He might be somewhat disappointed looking back on his career as he was a player with bags of potential. Many had tipped him to be the leader of the New England midfield generation. However, at just age 30, he has now opted to hang up his boots.
