Jack Wilshere set for return to Arsenal as U18 head coach in academy shake-up after retiring from football aged 30
JACK WILSHERE is set to take charge of Arsenal's Under-18s following his retirement from football.
The former Gunners and England midfielder called time on his injury-blighted career on Friday.
And the fan favourite is reportedly set to be handed the job of guiding the Gunners' Under-18s in the coming days.
That's according to who claim Wilshere was recently "deemed the stand-out candidate" to replace Dan Micciche.
The Arsenal brass earmarked the 30-year-old for the role of Under-18s chief late last month.
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Wilshere's imminent appointment is said to be part of a swathe of youth-level changes for the north London club.
Current assistant Under-23s coach Mehmet Ali is said to be on course to take full charge of the squad, with his position being taken up by Max Porter.
And Adam Birchall will reportedly bag the role as Wilshere's No.2 along with former Gunners star Julian Gray.
Wilshere hung up his boots after Danish Superliga side Aarhus revealed he wouldn't be returning to Ceres Park.
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In a lengthy post, Wilshere wrote: “Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.
“It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career.
“From being the little boy kicking the ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup. I have lived the dream.”
“In truth it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give.
“Having played at the highest level I have always held huge ambitions within the game and if I am truthful I did not envisage being in this position at times.
“However, having had time to reflect and talk with those closest to me I know that now is the right time and despite the difficult moments I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.
“Playing at the very highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my club and representing my country were beyond my wildest dreams when I was a small boy growing up in Hitchin.
“I feel very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn’t for the love and support of so many people.”
Wilshere went on to thank a host of key figures that have helped him along the day, including former managers, coaches, team-mates and his representatives as well as all of his old clubs.
But he had some extra special words about Arsenal, saying: “To the best supporters on the planet, all of you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
“To play for you all has been a privilege. You've always made me feel supported and I hope I did you proud representing your club. I'll never forget how you always backed me and I'll forever be a Gooner.
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“I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime.
"Now is the right time to close this chapter but I still have so much to give to the game and I am excited about what the future holds.”
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