Former Arsenal star sad over Jack Wilshere exit

The midfielder will leave the club after his contract expires

Jack Wilshere will leave Arsenal on a free transfer after failing to sign a contract extension with the club. His future at Emirates Stadium had been the subject of much conjecture throughout the previous season.

The England International, who has been at the club since 9, made it clear that his preferred option was to stay at his boyhood club even before Arsene Wenger retired. The Frenchman has also expressed his desire to keep him at the club beyond this summer.

The 26 year old was offered a new deal but had to take a 25 per cent pay-cut on his £120,000-a-week wages and was prepared to take the pay cut.

But the midfielder changed his mind after a meeting with the new manager Unai Emery as he was concerned about his role under the former PSG boss. He told him that he would likely to be a bit part player in the upcoming season.

He wanted to play regular football in the next season and believes it would stagnate his career if he doesn’t get regular game time. Thus deciding to leave the Gunners after spending 17 years at the club.

Former Arsenal player Olivier Giroud expressed his sadness over Wilshere’s exit. The Frenchman left the club to join Chelsea in the January transfer window.

Giroud said as quoted by The Sun: “It’s big news and I’m very sad to hear it, because he’s a good friend.

“But he came back well last season and it was good to see him on the pitch, enjoying his game and being strong.

“It’s a big loss and I hope he will bounce back as soon as possible at a good club.

“I wish him the very best because I appreciate him. I hope for him and his family he will bounce back.”