Jack Wilshere was once Arsenal’s brightest academy prospect, but by the age of 29 he began coaching them instead.
Wilshere was a hugely promising midfielder who had some excellent moments in an Arsenal shirt, but injuries eventually derailed his career before an early retirement.
The former England International then became the head coach of the Arsenal under-18s and impressed as he led his side to a FA Youth Cup final, whilst developing talents such as Ethan Nwaneri.
Wilshere recently left the club for a senior coaching role at Norwich City, and he has now sent a farewell message to Arsenal, after what is his second departure.
Arsenal U18 Head Coach Jack Wilshere during the Arsenal Academy U18 training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 26, 2024 in Londo…
Jack Wilshere sends goodbye message to Arsenal
Wilshere has now taken to Instagram to express his gratitude to his boyhood club Arsenal, having recently started his role at Norwich.
“Football is crazy. Things can change quick and I haven’t had the chance to Thank everyone from the Arsenal Academy for the last 2 years,” he posted.
“Everyone knows Arsenal is my club and leaving is never easy, especially when you care so much about the club, the staff and most importantly the players.
“When I retired from football I took the step into coaching, AFC gave me the opportunity to take my first role as a head coach, I learnt so much!
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“But I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the staff, we shared some tough moments but also some amazing memories that gave me feelings I had never experienced in the game.
“Arsenal remains in my blood and I will be watching every game as a fan.”
Wilshere also expressed his desire to see the Hale End Academy continue to thrive despite his departure.
“I hope we see some more young players from the Academy taking that step to the first team! To Adam Birchall good luck my friend! Until we meet again,” he added.
Jack Wilshere’s stats as an Arsenal coach
Wilshere had a fairly impressive record as Arsenal under-18 manager and took charge of 60 games during his spell at the club.
Arsenal won 28 of these games, recording 13 goals and 19 defeats, with 168 goals scored and 129 conceded.
Wilshere handed debuts to top talents including teenage sensation Max Dowman, and Chido Obi-Martin, who joined Manchester United in the summer.
The former midfielder won the FA Youth Cup as a player, and the highlight of his coaching career was reaching the final in his first campaign as a manager within the Arsenal youth setup, and he will hope to continue developing at Norwich.
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