Wilshere reveals why he left Arsenal

Forum 7 years ago

Wilshere reveals why he left Arsenal

Jack Wilshere has admitted that being left out of the England squad in August, was behind his decision to leave Arsenal and join Bournemouth on loan.

The 24-year-old, who has endured an injury-hit time with the Gunners, has started showing glimpses of his talent since he joined the Cherries.

He has now played all 90 minutes in their last two matches.


Wilshere says he would have remained at Arsenal, but Sam Allardyce’s snub was the final blow.

“When the England squad was announced and I wasn’t in it, it hurt me,” he said.

“I want to be part of the England squad. I feel like I’m good enough, I can make a difference in the team and when I was left out, it sparked something in me.

“I thought ‘I need a change. I need to be part of a team where I’m going to play week in, week out, be an important member of the team and make a difference.’


“The player I am and the character I am, to get the best out of me I need to feel responsibility and be part of a team that needs me, so that’s the main reason I came — to play football and prove to everyone I can play week in, week out.”

Wilshere’s current Arsenal contract expires in 2018, but he said he was not currently focusing on his position in the Gunners’ future plans.

“I love Arsenal. I love the fans,” he said.

“The manager has been great to me and been a big part of my life from when I was 10 years old. I’ve got good friends there, players, the staff and people will laugh, but the physios too. I’ve become close with them.

“So I don’t want to say I’m never going to go back there but at the same time, I’m not really thinking about that. My focus is helping Bournemouth climb the table and improving myself as a player.”