Wilshere set to leave Arsenal

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, June 20, 2018
Adjust font size:
AC Milan's Frank Kessie (L) competes with Arsenal's Jack Wilshere during a Europa League round of 16 first leg soccer match between AC Milan and Arsenal at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, March 8, 2018. Arsenal won 2-0. (Xinhua/Alberto Lingria)

Midfielder Jack Wilshere Tuesday confirmed that he will leave Arsenal this summer, saying he was left with "no option but to pursue other opportunities".


Wilshere broke the news on his Instagram account on Tuesday night and also posted a video of his time at the club.


Wilshere made his first-team debut in 2008 to become Arsenal's youngest-ever league player at 16. He went on to make 197 appearances with the club while also spending time on loan with Bolton and Bournemouth.


According to earlier reports, Wilshere might lose his starting role next season under Arsenal's new manager Unai Emery.


"I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal when my contract expires at the end of June," Wilshere wrote. "Following a number of extensive conversations with 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 due to purely footballing reasons."


"My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain an 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," he continued.


"However, following my meeting with the new manager, 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 Mr Emery I feel 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," he added.


Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter