Mertesacker: We are sad to see Wilshere go – Arsblog News

Per Mertesacker has thanked Jack Wilshere for his service after Arsenal confirmed the 32-year-old has joined Norwich City as first-team coach.

The former England international spent two years working with the club’s under-18s and will now move to Carrow Road to continue his coaching development.

Mertesacker and Wilshere studied for their UEFA B license together while they were still playing under Arsene Wenger in 2017, and the German, who was later appointed Arsenal Academy manager, was quick to recruit his friend when he hung up his playing boots in 2022 year after playing for West Ham, Bournemouth and Aarhus.

“Jack’s development as a coach over the last two seasons has been truly impressive,” Mertesacker said. Arsenal.com.

“Jack represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and as an academy coach.

“Of course we are all sad to see Jack go, but we are so proud to have played a positive role in his development into the next stage of his career as a young coach.

“We wish Jack and his family every success at Norwich City and his many friends here will remain in close contact with him as his coaching journey continues.”

Arsenal tried their best to support Wilshere as he struggled in the latter part of his playing career, battling fitness and mental health issues. He was invited to train with the first team and was also offered the opportunity to work with the club’s youth team. He hasn’t looked back and is grateful for the opportunities and support.

Before he left, he said: “I have loved every minute of my time as head coach of the under-18s and I would like to thank Eda, Per, Mikel, my colleagues at the academy and everyone at the club for their fantastic support during the match.” my time in the role.

“As everyone knows, Arsenal is and will always be a part of me and the club means a lot to me. However, this opportunity came at the right time to develop my first team coaching career.

“I would like to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club for their support and understanding of my decision and wish everyone at the club all the best for the future. This club will always be close to my heart and for me it’s more of a “see you” rather than a “goodbye”.

We wish Jack the best of luck, we’ll be interested to see how he gets on at Norwich.

In his place, Wilshere’s assistant Adam Birchall was appointed as under-18s head coach. Having played for the academy and having spent the last 10 years coaching at Hale End, he is certainly well placed to move forward. Good luck to him.

We are delighted to announce that Adam Birchall has become our Under 18s Head Coach following the departure of Jack Wilshere.

I wish you the best of luck in your new role Adam 👊

— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) October 23, 2024