Fans lament Wilshere's retirement, as they claim he 'could have been a great'

  /  autty

Fans and former teammates have been reminiscing about Jack Wilshere career after the former Arsenal and England midfielder announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 30.

The central midfielder won two FA Cups with Arsenal and was twice awarded the BBC goal of the season. Injuries hampered his career though, and Wilshere only managed 30 league games in a season once.

He also appeared 34 times for England and scored twice, with both goals coming in a 3-2 win over Slovenia in 2015.

Wilshere's former England and Arsenal teammate Danny Welbeck led the tributes to the midfielder's career, tweeting: 'What a player and what a guy. Love bro. All the best for your next chapter.'

His sentiments were shared by Tyrone Mings, another former teammate of Wilshere, who wrote: 'What a pleasure it was to share the dressing room with you mate. Good luck in the next chapter pal.'

Darren Bent added: ''Been an absolute pleasure watching and playing alongside you boss, good luck with the new venture.'

There were also fond memories and wonderings of what an injury-free Wilshere might have achieved from fans.

'Sad you never became the player we knew you could Jack but loved watching every minute you played whether was for us or against us. All the best on the future', tweeted one fan, while another said: 'Would have been one of England and Arsenal’s greats for sure. Will never forget you at your best! Best of luck for the future, Jack.'

Other supporters looked to the future, tweeting: 'This is tough for us to take as fans as well.. but I know the talent you have will find an outlet soon .

'We know the knowledge of this game will find a way to be shared with upcoming talent. Best wishes Jack in everything you do next.'

Wilshere's retirement was even used as a tongue-in-cheek recruitment opportunity for his hometown's seventh tier side Hitchin Town F.C. who tweeted: 'You’ve had a great career and made your home town proud, Jack.

'With your retirement from ‘professional’ football, it’s now time to help us out and sign on to start your semi-professional career obviously.'

Related: Arsenal Brighton & Hove Albion Welbeck Wilshere
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