Wilshere Leaves Arsenal On Free Transfer After 17 Years
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England midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced he is leaving the club this summer on a free transfer.
Wishere, 26, joined Arsenal as an academy player in 2001 but has decided to end the 17-year relationship with the Gunners after not getting guarantees about playing time from new manager Unai Emery.
Wilshere wrote in an emotional statement on Instagram on Tuesday night: “I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal when my contract expires at the end of June.
“Following a number of extensive conversations with those at the club, and in particular a recent meeting with new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.
“As has widely been reported, I, along with my representative, have been in talks with the club for a number of months with a view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirartes.
“My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain and Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club. Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.
“However following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remaining, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.
“I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing regular first team football and following my meeting with My Emery I cam away feeling that it would be very difficult to do so at Arsenal.
“Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch.
“I have experienced some incredible times at Arsenal and have met friends that will last a lifetime. I leave with memories that will stay with me forever from my time at the club. From making my debut at such a young age, to playing in the Champions League and of course winning two FA Cups in consecutive seasons, there are just too many highlights to mention.”
Arsenal responded with a statement on their official website, writing: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to wish Jack Wilshere a successful future following his decision to seek new opportunities.
“Since joining our Academy more than 17 years ago aged just nine, Jack has been a tremendous player for the club and a much-loved member of the Arsenal family.
“Jack made his Arsenal debut in September 2008 aged 16 and 256 days in a Premier League win over Blackburn Rovers, making him our youngest-ever league player. Just two months later he also broke our record for the youngest player in Europe, aged 16 and 329 days, when he played against Dynamo Kiev. Later that season he then played a major part in our FA Youth Cup victory, scoring in the final against Liverpool.
“Jack was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2010/11 and also earned a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year that season.
“During his time with Arsenal, Jack scored some memorable goals, winning BBC Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season in both 2013/14 and 2014/15. Twice a winner of the Victory Shield with England youth sides, Jack has made 34 appearances for his country.
“Since making his Arsenal debut, Jack made a total of 197 appearances for the club, winning the FA Cup twice – in 2014 and 2015.
“Thank you Jack for your contribution and the fantastic memories. Good luck in the future.”
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