Jack Wilshere: “I am open to Europe or whatever” / Former Arsenal prodigy has Xavi’s backing
Last Updated: October 24, 2020 6:27 pm
The need to play
Jack Wilshere has been speaking to the media whilst currently a free agent. Wilshere was released from West Ham at the end of the summer window. The former England international is just 28 years-of-age and is looking for a new club having failed to secure a signature by the end of the window and Premier League registration deadline.
Speaking with the BBC, Wilshere said on his frustrations at the end of his time in east London, “People will say what they want and footballers get paid well, but there is nothing more draining and saps your confidence more than when you know you are not going to play, that no matter what you do in training, or what the other players are doing, even if you lose 3-0, you are not going to get an opportunity.”
“I didn’t want to be around that and in that environment.”
Wilshere was equally as outspoken in the statement he issued on social media upon his departure from the club.
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) October 5, 2020
Where next?
Wilshere has so far spent his career in England. Coming through Arsenal’s youth ranks he became a regular under Arsene Wenger. Loan spells at Bolton and Bournemouth bookended his time at the club. Eventually Wilshere left on a free to West Ham.
The 28-year-old has spoken about how he would be open to moving abroad. Necessary if Wilshere wants to get regularly playing time.
“It is important to find a club where I am going to play, be an important player and be happy. I don’t want to rush into anything. It has to be the right team in the right country,” said Wilshere.
“I am open to Europe or wherever.”
“I understand there is another side to the game and I enjoy that but I would like to be in a team who has the ball.”
Jack Wilshere has been linked with a move to another country but not as far as he may have expected. Steven Gerrard’s Rangers have displayed interest and Barcelona icon Xavi spoke about the implications of Wilshere joining the Scottish side.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 29: Rangers Manager, Steven Gerrard looks on during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premier League between Celtic and at Ibrox Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“I have had a lot of respect for Jack, for many years,” said the Spaniard.
“He played an incredible game against Barcelona and after that I predicted he would go on to be one of the best midfield players in the world and the future of English football.”
Xavi, who is a big fan of the Rangers manager, is unsurprised the former Liverpool captain will want Wilshere. “Gerrard will be a big fan of his for sure. They share a lot of similar qualities.
“It would be a risk because of his injuries but if Rangers could manage to keep him fit and without injury, he would be the best player in Scotland.”
High praise indeed. Further endorsements of the like will surely see Wilshere snapped up in a heartbeat.
This article was edited by Josh Barker.
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