Arsenal have confirmed that former midfielder Jack Wilshere will return to the club as head coach of the Under-18s, just days after announcing his retirement from professional football at the age of 30.
Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for Arsenal between 2008 and 2018 and won two FA Cups, said: “It's a huge honour 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.”
The ex-England international, who earned 34 caps, retired after a 14-year career that included spells at West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side AGF. He spent part of last season working with Arsenal's academy players.
Academy manager Per Mertesacker welcomed the appointment, stating: “This is great news for everyone involved in our academy. Everyone knows how passionate Jack is about Arsenal. He knows exactly what it takes to progress through the academy into first-team football.”
Arsenal also announced that Mehmet Ali will become Under-21 head coach, with Max Porter promoted to assistant coach for that age group.
