Jack Wilshere has confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal this summer.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been with the Gunners since the age of nine – and has made 197 appearances for the club – but is committed to moving away from north London in search of more regular game-time.
Despite making 38 appearances for Arsenal last season, the England international has decided to move on following a meeting with new head coach Unai Emery.
Wilshere revealed that he spoke to Emery about his future and was given the impression that his playing time would be limited should he stay on at the club.
More: Football
The midfielder, who spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Bournemouth, is out of contract and will be available on a free transfer.
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Crystal Palace, West Ham and newly-promoted Wolves are among the many teams that are interested in Wilshere.
Wilshere's emotional message to Arsenal fans
I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal when my contract empires at the end of June, he told his followers on Instagram.
Following a number of extensive conversations with those art the club, and in particular a recent meeting with new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.
As has widely been reported, I, along with my representative have been in talks with the club for a number of months with a view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirates.
My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain and Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club. Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.
However following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remaining, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.
I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing regular first team football and following my meeting with My Emery I cam away feeling that it would be very difficult to do so at Arsenal.
Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch.
I have experienced some incredible times at Arsenal and have met friends that will last a lifetime. I leave with memories that will stay with me forever from my time at the club. From making my debut at such a young age, to playing in the Champions League and of course winning two FA Cups in consecutive seasons, there are just too many highlights to mention.
There will be the opportunity to talk properly when the time is right but for now I would just like to thank everyone at the club for everything over the past 17 years, in particular Arsene Wenger and his staff, all of my teammates over the years, everyone at the Academy for helping me to fulfil my dream and of course the fans, who I have always shared such a special relationship with.
I will never be able to truly repay the love, faith and belief that the fans have always shown in me. Its meant so much to me and my family over the years and I hope you are able to celebrate the success you deserve in the coming years. Thank you.
I would like to place on record my respect for Mr Emery and my appreciation for his honesty and candor, and I wish him, the team and the club all the very best for the future.
Im feeling fit, sharp and strong and will be working tirelessly to ensure I am in peak condition ahead of the new season.
Ill now be taking the time necessary to consider my options before deciding on the next stage of my career.
The England star also posted a video on his Instagram page of his favourite moments in an Arsenal shirt from down the years.
Asked about Wilshere upon his arrival at Arsenal, Emery responded: I want today to speak the team globally.
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I dont want to speak individually of players because all the meetings with Ivan [Gazidis], Raul [Sanllehi], Sven [Mislintat], this team is big.
We think we need change, a little things. A little players.
Today I want to work and want to speak globally for the squad.
MORE: Bernd Leno admits he looked up to Jens Lehmann – just hours after Arsenal legend was axed
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Jack Wilshere has confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal this summer.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been with the Gunners since the age of nine – and has made 197 appearances for the club – but is committed to moving away from north London in search of more regular game-time.
Despite making 38 appearances for Arsenal last season, the England international has decided to move on following a meeting with new head coach Unai Emery.
Wilshere revealed that he spoke to Emery about his future and was given the impression that his playing time would be limited should he stay on at the club.
More: Football
The midfielder, who spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Bournemouth, is out of contract and will be available on a free transfer.
Advertisement Advertisement
Crystal Palace, West Ham and newly-promoted Wolves are among the many teams that are interested in Wilshere.
Wilshere's emotional message to Arsenal fans
I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal when my contract empires at the end of June, he told his followers on Instagram.
Following a number of extensive conversations with those art the club, and in particular a recent meeting with new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.
As has widely been reported, I, along with my representative have been in talks with the club for a number of months with a view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirates.
My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain and Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club. Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.
However following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remaining, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.
I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing regular first team football and following my meeting with My Emery I cam away feeling that it would be very difficult to do so at Arsenal.
Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch.
I have experienced some incredible times at Arsenal and have met friends that will last a lifetime. I leave with memories that will stay with me forever from my time at the club. From making my debut at such a young age, to playing in the Champions League and of course winning two FA Cups in consecutive seasons, there are just too many highlights to mention.
There will be the opportunity to talk properly when the time is right but for now I would just like to thank everyone at the club for everything over the past 17 years, in particular Arsene Wenger and his staff, all of my teammates over the years, everyone at the Academy for helping me to fulfil my dream and of course the fans, who I have always shared such a special relationship with.
I will never be able to truly repay the love, faith and belief that the fans have always shown in me. Its meant so much to me and my family over the years and I hope you are able to celebrate the success you deserve in the coming years. Thank you.
I would like to place on record my respect for Mr Emery and my appreciation for his honesty and candor, and I wish him, the team and the club all the very best for the future.
Im feeling fit, sharp and strong and will be working tirelessly to ensure I am in peak condition ahead of the new season.
Ill now be taking the time necessary to consider my options before deciding on the next stage of my career.
The England star also posted a video on his Instagram page of his favourite moments in an Arsenal shirt from down the years.
Asked about Wilshere upon his arrival at Arsenal, Emery responded: I want today to speak the team globally.
Advertisement Advertisement
I dont want to speak individually of players because all the meetings with Ivan [Gazidis], Raul [Sanllehi], Sven [Mislintat], this team is big.
We think we need change, a little things. A little players.
Today I want to work and want to speak globally for the squad.
MORE: Bernd Leno admits he looked up to Jens Lehmann – just hours after Arsenal legend was axed
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