Former Wanderers midfielder Jack Wilshere says it is “a huge honour” to return to Arsenal as head coach of the Under-18 side.

Wilshere joined the Whites on loan from the Gunners in 2010 and impressed during his time at the UniBol.

He went on to make 197 appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice, and was also capped 34 times by England.

Wilshere’s return to the Emirates comes days after he announced his decision to call time on his playing career.

The 30-year-old played for West Ham and Bournemouth after leaving the Gunners and most recently had a stint at Danish club Aarhus.

“It's a huge honour to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club,” he told the club’s website.

“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."

Wilshere will now link up with former Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker, who was appointed academy manager back in 2017.

Mertesacker added: “This is great news for everyone involved in our academy.

“We have made a number of really positive changes in the last few weeks and I believe that we have the best possible people here to build on the progress that we’ve made in recent years.

"Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal. He understands what we want to achieve here and he really impressed us last year.

“He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football.”

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