Following his retirement from professional football last week, Jack Wilshere has been named the head coach of the Arsenal U18 team.
After completing the Arsenal academy, Wilshere made 197 club appearances from 2008 to 2018, winning the FA Cup twice. A day after finishing his five-month spell at Danish club AGF, he announced on Friday, at the age of 30, that his playing days were over.
Wilshere spent some time working with the Arsenal young players last year, but this will be his first official coaching post. During an injury-plagued career, he also played for Bournemouth and West Ham.
“It’s a huge honour to have this role,” the former England international said. “It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and you know 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.