Wilshere: How Theo has helped me

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Jack Wilshere has spoken about how his team-mate and friend Theo Walcott has helped him deal with the pressures of being a young English footballer.
The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene for Arsenal and England this season, showing great ability in midfield and maturity beyond his years.
Wilshere admits he is still getting used to dealing with the fame, but has thanked Walcott, who has been through a similar experience, for helping him deal with it.
“People are always watching and sometimes it makes me laugh,” he said. “It’s a story in the papers if I get a tattoo or move house – I do find that really strange. It’s part and parcel of football now, you have to deal with it and be professional.
“I’m always chatting with Theo. He has been through it all – being in the World Cup squad, then left out – and he’s never put a foot wrong off the pitch, so he’s a great example.
“I can learn from him and he’s a good friend of mine now. We’ve got to know each other well over the last couple of years.
“Before people would tell you that you have to do this and that when you are a pro,” he continued, “but until you are actually there, experiencing it, you don’t realise what it means.
“You have to eat well, prepare well, rest well – it’s a 24/7 job – it’s not just about training and playing the games. Everything away from that is so important too. If you are not ready for every game then a top class player will take advantage of it.”