Jack Wilshere retires at 30 with emotional statement on career downfall

Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 30.

The former England international left Norwegian side AGF at the end of his contract in June after making just 14 appearances and will now hang up his boots after a 14-year professional career.

Wilshere started his career at Arsenal, where he came through the club's academy before making his first-team debut in 2008. He would go on to play almost 200 matches and score 14 goals for the Gunners over the course of a 10-year spell.

After leaving Arsenal, Wilshere played for West Ham United and Bournemouth, before enduring a different challenge in Norway, where he struggled for form and fitness.

The midfielder was also capped 34 times by the Three Lions and featured in one World Cup as England crashed out of the group stages in Brazil. Wilshere scored two goals for his country and both came in the same game against Slovenia in 2014.

Upon retiring, Wilshere posted a statement on his Twitter: "Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football: 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. 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 played at the very highest level I have always held such huge ambitions within the game and if I am truthful I did not envisage being in this position at times. However, 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.

"Playing at the very highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my club and representing my country were beyond my wildest dreams when I was a small boy growing up in Hitchin. I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for the love and support of so many people.

"Firstly, to my Mum Kerry, Dad Andy, brother Tom and sister Rosie. Without the sacrifice, love and unconditional support from all of you when I was a kid and through to this very day, nothing would have been possible and words will never be enough. Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget everything you did for me to help me achieve my dreams. Thank you to all my lifelong friends for your support and friendships, you all know who you are.

"A special thank you must go to my best friends Duane and Benik. Through the good times and the bad you've always supported me and I've always felt that I could always rely on your honesty and support. To all of my early coaches and staff especially Gordon Lawrence, Steve Leonard, Bobby Arber, Rog Masey, Liam Brady, Steve Bould, Mark Ellis, Tunde, Neil Banfield and all of you who taught me the Arsenal way'.

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"You led the way for the career I was able to have. Thank you. Words will never do justice to the love and thanks I have for the Boss, Arsene, Pat Rice and Boro Primorac. Without your belief, support and guidance from the very first day we met I wouldn't have been able to become part of the Arsenal family. I'm forever grateful to you all.

"A huge thank you to the board, management and everyone else connected with Arsenal FC. Having joined the club at the age of 7 years old you've become my extended family and thank you for everything.

"Thank you to all of the other coaches from my senior career and with a special thank you to Roy Hodgson and Eddie Howe. Both of whom are fantastic managers that showed belief in me at critical points in my career and when I needed it most.

"To all of my teammates over the years; it's been an honour to have shared a dressing room with you all. We've shared memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for your help and support both on and off the pitch. A big thank you to Colin Lewin, Declan Lunch and all of his team for all of your help throughout my entire career.

"Thank you too to everyone connected with Bolton Wanderers, Bournemouth, West Ham United and AGF. Despite some difficult moments, I had many great moments at all of the clubs I represented and enjoyed my time at all. Thank you to my management team Neil Fewings, Duncan Ross, Fahri Ecvet and everyone who has helped me along the way.

"To Big Dunc, thank you for being at the end of the phone countless times for support, love and wise words. To the best supporters on the planet, all of you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. To play for you all has been a privilege. You've always made me feel supported and I hope I did you proud-representing your club. I'll never forget how you always backed me and I'll forever be a Gooner.

"Lastly but most importantly, to my wife and children. Words simply can't express what your love and unconditional support means to me. You've shared my highs and my lows and never wavered in your love and support for me. Through the dark times you were the reasons I got out of bed and kept going. Andriani, thank you and I love you so much. You're my rock and together we make a great team.

"To Archie, Delilah, Sienna and Jack, I hope I have made you proud because you are all that matter. I love you all so much and thank you for always making me smile. I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime. Now is the right time to close this chapter but I still have so much to give to the game and I am excited about what the future holds."