Jack Wilshere excitedly admitted Arsenal will “always be part of who I am” as the Gunners icon left the club to join the Norwich coaching staff.
The 32-year-old had been the head coach of Arsenal’s under-18 team for the past two years, but decided now was the best time to make a step up to senior football as he targets a big role in the future.
Wilshere is a fan favorite at the Emirates after bursting onto the scene as a top academy talent under Arsene Wenger, only to see his playing career cruelly cut short by injuries.
The former midfielder once starred on the Champions League stage against top but retired Barcelona playing football professionally in 2022, aged 30, having last played in the Danish Super League with AFG.
Since then, he has cut his teeth as a coach in Arsenal’s youth ranks, guiding the young Gunnners to an FA Youth Cup final in his first season and now bids farewell with a move to Norwich.
Jack Wilshere emotionally admits Arsenal will ‘always be part of who I am’ as Gunners icon leaves club
Wilshere became a fan favorite during his playing years at Arsenal, which were cruelly restricted by injury.
Wilshere leaves his position as Arsenal under-18 coach to join Norwich’s senior squad
Bidding a heartfelt farewell to his boyhood club, Wilshere praised the “incredibly special bond” he has developed with the club’s players and staff and bid farewell with the intention of returning in the future.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time as coach of the under-18 team and I would like to thank Edu, Per, Mikel, my academy colleagues and everyone at the club for their fantastic support during my time in charge,” he said. . saying.
“As everyone knows, Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am, and the club means a lot to me. However, this opportunity has come at the right time to advance my coaching career in the Premier League environment. equipment.
“I have an incredibly special bond with the Arsenal players and staff, and I am very proud of the work we have done as a collective over the last two and a half years. It has been a privilege to have been involved in the development and progression of a group So special, and I will continue to watch and support him from afar.
“The future is exciting for both the youth players and the club, and I know that the group I have been working with will continue to progress and have the potential to achieve great things.
Wilshere admitted he plans to return to Arsenal in the future as he bid farewell to the club.
“I would like to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club for their support and understanding in my decision and wish everyone at the club the best for the future. This club will always be close to my heart and for me this is a ‘see you later’ more than a ‘goodbye’.”
Arsenal and Norwich have agreed a compensation package for Wilshere, and the former England international is expected to join his new team at Carrow Road this Thursday.
