Bournemouth loanee Jack Wilshere has missed a trick in snubbing Italy move unlike team-mate Joe Hart
At a time when English football is screaming out for players with a continental influence, ace has taken the soft option
JACK WILSHERE has missed a trick here, he really has.
At a time when English football is screaming out for players with a continental influence, Wilshere has taken the soft option.
The San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico would have been the perfect stage for Arsenal’s cultured midfielder and, despite claims, the Gunners did NOT put a block on a move to Italy.
Milan or Roma, the two Serie A clubs who tried to sign him on deadline day, feels like a no-brainer.
The tactics, the time on the ball and the tempo of the games would have suited Wilshere down to the ground.
Instead, he has chosen a run of games, fitness permitting, alongside Harry Arter in the centre of Bournemouth’s midfield.
Wilshere loves English football but English football has not been kind to him over the years.
A few weeks ago, at the launch of the Premier League season, Wilshere claimed he had adapted his game because of his injury record.
Italian football, noted for its craft and guile, would have been right up his street. Roma or Milan would have looked so much better on his CV. Bournemouth, endless motorway miles from his Hertfordshire home, is far from a fresh start.
Whatever shirt he wears, English football is played in a certain way.
As Xavi once said, Wilshere is one of the few English players he considered good enough to slide into the centre of Barcelona’s midfield.
Bournemouth, even on loan for a season, is quite a comedown.
The continental option, a life in Milan or Rome, would have given Wilshere a chance to broaden his outlook on the game.
As big a coup as this is for the persuasive tongue of Eddie Howe, Bournemouth are seven European Cups and 18 league titles behind Milan.
History, pedigree and stature were Milan’s bargaining chips when the Italians made their move on Wednesday morning.
They have a list of greats as long as your arm — Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten.
It is true they are not the force they once were under Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello or Carlo Ancelotti, but you cannot argue with their history.
They are still one of the greats and the San Siro is one of Italian football’s finest settings.
The alternative was a move to the Eternal City to play in the colours of Roma for the season.
Wilshere made all the right noises, calling his ex-Arsenal team-mate Wojciech Szczesny on Tuesday night to ask him about life with ‘I Giallorossi’.
Even with Radja Nainggolan, Daniele de Rossi and Kevin Strootman in midfield, they made it clear there was space for little Jack.
The coach, Luciano Spalletti, wanted a creative element, with Wilshere the man they had lined up after agreeing to Arsenal’s financial demands.
They wanted a £2m loan fee and the rest of Wilshere’s salary — £80,000 a week basic and £50,000 appearance — taken care of by his loan club.
Milan and Roma agreed to pick up the tab.
Instead, he chose to stay in England, with the pre-conceived idea that the profile of playing in the Premier League will enhance his England prospects.
The reality is Sam Allardyce would have been on the first flight out to Italy if Wilshere had tried his luck abroad.
Joe Hart has done it, saving face by opting to go to Torino on loan instead of moving to Sunderland, Everton or elsewhere in the Premier League.
Allardyce plans to be a regular in Turin, flying out to see his first pick for England after he was forced out of Manchester City by Pep Guardiola.
It is a fresh start for Hart, the chance to sample a new lifestyle and challenge himself.
For Wilshere, it just looks like he lost his nerve.
JAMAL BLACKMAN earns £13,000 a week at Chelsea and will never be considered good enough to play for the first team.
His salary — £5,000 more than Burnley keeper Tom Heaton in their promotion season — highlights Chelsea’s crazy loan programme.