Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere hangs up his boots having ‘lived the dream’

Rob McCarthy 08 Jul 2022 1:48 PM

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement after failing to get his stuttering career back on track.

The 30-year-old became the Gunners’ youngest league debutant when aged 16 and 256 days during the 2008 season, after coming through the club’s Academy.

The midfielder, who was hampered by a series of injuries, won the FA Cup twice in successive seasons with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, before joining Bournemouth and then West Ham.

Wilshere returned to the Cherries on a short-term deal in January 2021. He also had a spell at Danish Superliga club AGF.

After making his first senior England appearance in 2010, Wilshere won 34 caps and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad.

“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,” Wilshere said in his retirement announcement on Twitter.

“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.

“Having played at the very highest level I have always held such huge ambitions within the game and if I am truthful, I did not envisage being in this position at times.

“However, having had time to reflect and talk with those closest with me I know that now is the right time and despite the difficult moments, I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.”

Injuries take their toll on unbelievable talent

There is no doubt that if Jack Wilshere had not been beset by injuries he would have won well over 50 England caps and remained at his beloved Arsenal for a lot longer.

Our Jack…

For 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 game against Barca to 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 goal against Norwich, and everything in between – we love you ❤️

A star on the pitch and a supporter off it. You lived the dream.

Congratulations on an incredible career, @JackWilshere 👊 https://t.co/Dm8Yqbsfyb pic.twitter.com/dpPLLqlb01

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 8, 2022

In his prime, he was a rare talent capable of mixing tremendous skill while also having a ferocious streak.

His incredible one-touch finish against Norwich back in 2013, after a stunning Gunners move, epitomised everything he was all about.

18 goals in 288 club career games certainly does not do his talent justice. But unfortunately, the beautiful game can also be a cruel one and Wilshere was certainly unlucky in that regard.

Arsenal Jack Wilshere