Former Arsenal star and coach Jack Wilshere has praised the impact of Mikel Arteta at the club, revealing how he helped him in the past.
It comes at a time of reflection for the Gunners and the journey they have been on under the head coach in his spell so far.
In the five years under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have grown from a mid-table outfit to Premier League and Champions League contenders.
While they haven’t quite won the trophies to show for their efforts, progression has been clear, and that is underlined by Jack Wilshere.
Wilshere, currently the interim Norwich City coach, revealed exactly how Arteta helped him through some difficult times.
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Jack Wilshere reveals how Mikel Arteta invited him back to Arsenal when struggling
Jack Wilshere is one of Arsenal’s youngest-ever players, with the midfielder coming through and impressing on the biggest stage.
In the years since, the Englishman called time on his career, retiring and taking up coaching in his post-playing career.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Wilshere revealed the impact of Arteta on his career, stating: “I’ve got a really big soft spot for Mikel.
“Because I played with him, number one, and a lot of the players who played with him said they saw he was going to be a coach, and I was exactly the same.
“Then he invited me back when I was really struggling to find a club, and as he said, I was part of it, and he made me feel part of it.
“So, honestly, what he’s done for this club, I’m so happy for him, so happy for the staff.”
It shows just how important Arteta has not only been for the club, but for the individuals around the club who make it up.
With Wilshere now looking to forge his career in management, Arteta’s impact is clear.
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Mikel Arteta’s heartwarming message to Jack Wilshere before PSG vs Arsenal
The Arsenal journey to reaching the Champions League semi-finals has gone through many different phases, with players, coaches and people coming and going in that time.
Wilshere was among those to come in and then eventually leave, with his own impact on the journey playing a part.
In the Arsenal academy, the head coach had the responsibility of looking after Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who are now playing their part.
Arteta gave plenty of credit to Wilshere when speaking to the former midfielder on TNT Sports, claiming: “You’ve been part of that [journey], you’ve been very close to us as well.”
It was a heartwarming moment for both, who have been so key to the journey.
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