Jack Wilshere, the man once dubbed as the future of English football, announced his retirement this week at the age of just 30. In an emotional post on Twitter, Wilshere confirmed he was calling time on his career. He would thank his family, close friends and teammates. The many members of the various coaching staff at the different clubs he played at got thanked, too. He reserved special thanks for Arsenal, the club he signed with as a seven-year-old. Former academy coaches, senior staff, former teammates and even fans got a mention. Wilshere called the Arsenal fans the best on the planet.

An Arsenal academy graduate, Wilshere made his debut for the Gunners senior side at the age of just 16. He would then head to Bolton Wanderers on loan, making 14 appearances for them in the 2009/10 Premier League season. Wilshere would return to Arsenal and lift the FA Cup with the North London side twice in 2014 and 2015. (more…)