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Forget Thierry Henry, Jurrien Timber says his Arsenal hero was actually an English player

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Jurrien Timber was an Arsenal fan growing up.

The Dutchman began his career at Ajax after joining their academy. He was always viewed as a fine talent and went on to win multiple trophies there.

Arsenal signed Timber in a £38 million deal in the summer of 2023, and that was a dream-come-true moment for him.

Now, he has revealed his Gunners hero, and it’s not Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp or Timber’s other compatriot, Robin van Persie – it was Jack Wilshere.

If they were never injured, who would’ve had the better career at Arsenal – Abou Diaby or Jack Wilshere?

Split image of Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere during an Arsenal game
Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC/Photo credit should read CHRIS RATCLIFFE/AFP via Getty Images

Jurrien Timber says he just loved Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere when he was growing up

Wilshere was one of Arsenal’s own.

The Englishman came through the club’s academy, became one of the youngest players to play for the senior side and absolutely bossed Barcelona’s iconic midfield of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

Arsenal fans all loved Wilshere for that very reason, and Timber was one of the former midfielder’s biggest fans as well.

In an interview on Men in Blazers, the defender was asked if Henry and Van Persie were the reasons why he was an Arsenal supporter growing up.

Timber replied: “You know who I loved to watch when I was younger? Jack Wilshere! Big, huge fan of him.

“Robin van Persie as well, but he went to United, of course, and Thierry Henry, I’ve never really seen him play for Arsenal. I’m too young for that. The one I was enjoying a lot was Jack.”

When asked why he loved Wilshere, Timber said: “He was just someone who could do a lot from a young age already.

“He played with so much courage, he was elegant, he was just a nice player to watch. To me, he made Arsenal look nice.”

Jack Wilshere was Jurrien Timber’s favourite Arsenal player growing up. Who was yours?

Image of Jurrien Timber with an inset of Jack Wilshere playing at Arsenal, overlaid a quote from Timber on Wilshere
Credit: Getty Images/ David Price/Arsenal FC/

Jack Wilshere loves Arsenal star Jurrien Timber too

It must be a really special feeling to be a fan of Arsenal and then play for the club at the top level.

There are very few people on the planet who get to live that dream – Wilshere and Timber have both done it.

You’ve already read how the Dutchman feels about Wilshere. You won’t be surprised to know that the feeling is mutual.

Speaking about Timber, Wilshere said in October: “The one that I really love, I don’t know what you think, is Timber.

“Timber, I think maybe apart from number nine and in goal, he gives you something in every single position. He is aggressive, wins his duels, he looks like a leader.”