‘An inspiration’… Mikel Arteta hails what Jack Wilshere did ahead of Arsenal exit

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Arsenal academy coach and former player Jack Wilshere is now set to leave the club in the coming days.

Wilshere was once the biggest talent in the Hale End Academy, and a midfielder destined to be a world-class Arsenal captain.

However, injuries derailed his career, and he eventually retired in 2022 before he was even 30. Arsenal were looking out for him though, and he joined the academy as a coach before becoming the under-18s manager.

Championship side Norwich City are set to add Wilshere to their senior coaching staff, with Arsenal sanctioning his exit to allow him to progress in his career.

Mikel Arteta was manager when Wilshere returned to the club as a youth coach, and he has now praised the impact his former teammate has had on the next generation of youngsters during his time in management.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal academy player to make their senior debuts under Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta praises Jack Wilshere for impact on Arsenal academy

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face AFC Bournemouth, Arteta praised Wilshere after he was asked about his impending exit.

“He’s been great – obviously, everyone knows about the career, about his character, and he’s a really special personality,” Arteta stated.

“His attachments to the football club – he’s unique, he has this aura, this charisma, the way he connects to the club and to the people.

“Since he’s come here, he’s had a real impact. He’s been a real inspiration for the kids because of his history with the club and the way he did it, in the manner that he did it.

“What comes next is his decision and the club’s as well.”

Jack Wilshere to advance in coaching career after Arsenal exit

Wilshere was an incredibly popular player during his breakthrough as a teenager under Arsene Wenger, but his playing career did not pan out as expected.

Coaching has given Wilshere a second chance to make it in professional football, and joining the senior staff at Norwich is a good step for him to take.

Another return to Arsenal in the future can never be ruled out, but Wilshere will now have the challenge of making it himself as a coach away from his boyhood club.