Arsene Wenger makes "promising" Jack Wilshere prediction ahead of Arsenal return

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere is set for a "promising" career in coaching after he hung his boots up earlier this week.

The Gunners academy graduate announced his retirement from the game on Friday at the age of just 30 following a spell with Danish side AGF. He penned an emotional statement confirming his decision, with some questioning what will come next in his career.

Reports have since suggested that he is set to return to Arsenal in a coaching capacity and will be appointed as the manager of the Under-18s. Following that news, Arsene Wenger has suggested that his former player is primed to have a prosperous career following his retirement.

Speaking to Sky Sports about Wilshere, the iconic Frenchman said: "The fact that he couldn't go to the end of his potential might help him to be motivated to make a great coaching career. That's what I wish.

"First of all, he has a great understanding of the game. He's brave, he's got great communication skills, he's honest and he's intelligent.

"On top of that, he's had a frustrating end to his playing career. If he manages to turn that frustration into motivation and shows how good he is in football, I think he has a promising coaching career in front of him."

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Of course, Wenger played a huge role in Wilshere's initial development. He gave the former midfielder his first opportunity in the first team all the way back in the 2008/09 season.

The Englishman went on to represent the North London side on 197 occasions, whilst he also accumulated 34 caps for the Three Lions. Speaking further on Wilshere's decision to hang his boots up, Wenger was left disappointed with the decision but totally understood why the call was made with a number of injuries eventually putting paid to his playing career.

He continued: "For me, it's a sad moment because Jack is an exceptional football player.

"Straight away he showed the quality to be a main player. He was brave, he was talented and that's why we thought he could start at such a young age.

"When you cannot play at your best anymore it is very difficult to swallow, and you lose confidence as well and I think he took the right decision."

After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Wilshere went on to have spells with West Ham, Bournemouth and AGF. He only made a maximum of 17 appearances in a season across his time with the three clubs as he struggled to find the fitness and form that made him so promising earlier in his career.