Jack Wilshere lays out ambition as Arsenal return confirmed

Jack Wilshere has vowed to help Arsenal 's academy stars become "the best they can be on and off the pitch" after completing a "special" return to the club as Head Coach of the Gunners' Under-18s.

The unveiling comes just days after the former Arsenal starlet announced his sudden retirement at the age of 30 within an emotional post. The ex- England international made the decision to hang up his boots after a 14-year professional career having left Danish side AGF upon the expiry of his contract in June.

Wilshere came through the Arsenal academy and went on to make 197 appearances for the club between 2008 and 2018, helping the north Londoners to two FA Cup triumphs in 2014 and 2015. Following the news that Wilshere has returned to take on a role in the club's youth setup, the former Gunners midfielder has swiftly set about laying out his ambitions.

"It's a huge honour to have this role," Wilshere, who spent some of last season aiding the development of the club's young players, told Arsenal's official website. "It's no secret that I love this club.

"I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I'm ready.

"I'm hungry and can't wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch. It's a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family.

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"It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can't wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me."

Wilshere's former Gunners team-mate Per Mertesacker, who current occupies the position of Arsenal's academy manager also expressed his delight at the former midfielder's appointment. The German said: "This is great news for everyone involved in our academy.

"We have made a number of really positive changes in the last few weeks and I believe that we have the best possible people here to build on the progress that we've made in recent years. Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal.

"He understands what we want to achieve here and he really impressed us last year. He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football."

After leaving Arsenal in 2018, Wilshere spent time with West Ham and Bournemouth. The former midfielder, who additionally earned 34 caps for his country, then joined AGF back in February, but saw his time with the Danish Superliga outfit hampered by ongoing struggles to find form and fitness.

Arsenal also confirmed that while Wilshere will lead the Under-18s, Mehmet Ali, who joined the club as the Under-23s assistant coach back in January, will step into the role of the Gunners' new Under-21 Head Coach. Max Porter has been promoted to Mehmet's assistant coach, having previously held that with the club's Under-18s.