Jack Wilshere ‘excited’ by his new personal mission at Arsenal, admits he has ‘a big responsibility’

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Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is now in charge of the North London club’s under-18s side in the Hale End academy. 

Jack Wilshere came through the Hale End academy system himself, before going on to make almost 200 appearances for the Arsenal first team. 

The 32-year-old ultimately hung up his boots in 2022, after a playing career that was ravaged by injuries. He has now taken the step into management, and will feel that he has unfinished business in the game.

The 34-cap former England international has been in charge of the Gunners’ under-18s since 2022, and can clearly connect with the youngsters currently going through same development journey at Arsenal that he did. 

Wilshere now has a key role to play in helping to shape and mould the next generation of Arsenal stars. This is a responsibility that he takes seriously.

• READ MORE: The all-time youngest Arsenal goalscorers including Wilshere and Fabregas 

Jack Wilshere shares plan for Arsenal under-18s

Wilshere has now discussed his role at the club, and his plan for his youthful side.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “I’m excited about this team. What we did last year towards the end of the season, integrating the under-16s, now they’re first years so they’re a bit further ahead. 

“Can we do that again at the start of this season with a really promising 16s group? It’s important because sometimes you might think you’re going to bed yourself in, but if you have someone pushing yourself up from underneath, you have to be there and perform every day.

“We have to keep that culture in the environment. It’s a big responsibility to the players when they go on the pitch. We’ll prepare everything they need, but all we’re doing is giving them an opportunity and they have to go and take it.”

Ethan Nwaneri rising at Arsenal

There are many exciting prospects currently on the books at Arsenal. In particular, Ethan Nwaneri appears to be on the verge of making a real breakthrough into Mikel Arteta’s first team plans.

Nwaneri has been described as the next Wilshere, and is hugely talented. The 17-year-old has already been afforded two Premier League runouts for the Gunners, and impressed during the recent pre-season tour of the US.

Nwaneri is expected to feature more heavily for Arsenal this season, and the recent departure of Emile Smith Rowe may well have cleared a pathway for the teenager to step up and become more heavily involved at first team level.