Following his first-team debut in 2008, Wilshere made a total of 197 appearances for the English Premier League club after rising through the ranks of Arsenal’s youth academy at a young age.
At the time, the footballer, who is now 30 years old, made his league debut for Arsenal at the age of 16 years.
Only one week has passed since Wilshere, a former England midfielder announced his retirement from the football match.
Mehmet Ali has also been appointed the new head coach of the club’s Under-21 team, according to the North London club.
Mehmet had joined Arsenal’s Under-23s as an assistant coach in early January 2022.
The club said it found Mehmet outstanding in the last six months and hence he will now take on the role of Head Coach for the Under-21s as well as the club’s Professional Development Phase lead.
The North London club took to its official social media handles and website to announce both Mehmet and Wilshere’s new roles at the club on Monday.
The statement posted on the club’s platform reads: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mehmet Ali and Jack Wilshere as the new Head Coaches of our Under-21 and Under-18 sides, respectively.
“Jack, a former academy graduate who made 197 Arsenal appearances between 2008 and 2018, during which time he won the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015 and the FA Youth Cup in 2009, is back working at the club where he takes on his first role in coaching, as the Head Coach of our Under-18s.”
Speaking on his appointment, Wilshere said: “It’s a huge honor to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready. I’m hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.
“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me.”
On his part, Mehmet said: “It’s a great honor and privilege to be a part of this club and lead our Under-21s. I’ve already had six good months at the club, so I’ve got a sound understanding of the players. I’m now really excited and looking forward to continuing working with the group and playing my part in developing strong young Gunners.
“It’s a huge honor to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready. I’m hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.”
“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me,” Mehmet added.
