Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has retired just at the age of 30.
Wilshere became Arsenal’s youngest league debutant when he appeared aged 16 and 256 days in 2008 following graduating from the club’s youth academy.
Widely predicted to come up as a key figure for both Arsenal and England, Wilshere made a shining start to his career. However, his progress was bothered by a series of injuries and concerns about his off-field lifestyle.
Wilshere made his first England feature in 2010, triumphing 34 caps and featuring at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Though Wilshere triumphed the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2014 and 2015, he never quite accomplished his potential in 197 appearances for Arsenal.
“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 cited 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 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.”
Wilshere paid tribute to former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and his staff for giving him opportunity in the Premier League.
“Words will never do justice to the love and thanks I have for the Boss, Arsene, Pat Rice and Boro Primorac,” Wilshere stated.
