Arsene Wenger believes Jack Wilshere can become a world-class coach after his former Arsenal star announced his retirement on Friday.
Wilshere hung up his boots when he was only 30 because he failed to recover from several serious injuries sustained in the latter stages of his career.
The midfielder entered the scene as a 16-year-old child prodigy, becoming the youngest player in Arsenal history when Wenger handed him his debut in 2008.
“It’s a sad moment for me because Jack is an exceptional footballer,” Wenger said air sports†
“He immediately showed the quality of being a protagonist. He was brave, he was talented and that’s why we thought he could start at such a young age.
“When you can’t play your best anymore it’s very hard to swallow and you also lose confidence and I think he made the right decision.”
Wenger also recalled Wilshere’s outstanding individual performance against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League, often cited as one of the best in Arsenal’s history.
“That match was special because Barcelona were the best in the world at the time and to see him perform at that level with such quality convinced you that he was among the best in the world,” the Frenchman added.
“Jack was able to unlock the game through short passes and his ability to pass people in one-on-one situations. He could turn the game forward if there were no other solutions, and he wasn’t afraid or startled by the big stage of anyone.’
Wilshere now becomes Arsenal Under-18 head coach and Wenger, one of the best managers ever, has tipped the former England international to have a stellar career on the sidelines.
The fact that he couldn’t reach the end of his potential could help motivate him to make a great coaching career. That’s what I wish.
First of all, he knows a lot about the game. He is brave, he has great communication skills, he is honest and he is intelligent.
In addition, he has had a frustrating end to his playing career. If he can turn that frustration into motivation and show how good he is at football, then I think he has a promising coaching career ahead of him.”
LAKE : Gabriel Jesus scores two goals in Arsenal debut after 85 seconds
LAKE : Paulo Dybala boosts for Manchester United and Arsenal as Inter Milan interest cools
For more stories like this, check our sports page†
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news about
facebook† Twitter and Instagram†
