Jack Wilshere retires from football at 30. He’s returning to Arsenal, in what capacity?

Jack Wilshere has announced that he is retiring as a player at the age of 30. Themidfielder burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old prodigy when he became the youngest player in the club’s history in 2008. He starts training with Arsenal’s U18s next week.

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has announced he is quitting football at just 30 after leaving Danish side Aarhus.

Wilshere had the potential to become a future England captain as well, but despite his undoubted qualities as a central midfielder and promising beginnings, he failed to shine at Arsenal after suffering a series of injury problems.

At Arsenal, he will work with the Under-18 team alongside Adam Birchall and Julian Gray.

“I lived my dream”

Wilshere wrote a long message on Twitter:

“Today I announce my retirement from professional football: It has been an incredible journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced everything I have during my career. From being a little boy kicking a ball around in the garden, to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at the World Cup. I have lived my dream.

Wilshere especially praised Arsenal and singled out Arsene Wenger and his former coaches Pat Rice and Bora Primorac for their work in developing him.

He played 197 games for the Gunners but could have played many more. In fact, he has missed more than 140 games due to injuries.

He played 34 games for England and was a member of the England squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Wilshere appeared in 13 Danish league games for Aarhus last season. He has also played for Bolton, Bournemouth and West Ham.

Source: TheGuardian, Transfermarkt