Wilshere: the midfielder announces his retirement from professional football

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from professional football.

Earlier in July, Wilshere left Danish club AGF after less than five months, stating that he is now "considering his next step" in his career.

The 30-year-old former England international, whose career has been dogged by injury problems, joined the Danish Superliga club in February and played 14 league games for the club.

The former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder had been without a club since he was released by Bournemouth last summer and had been training with Arsenal and Italian side Como to maintain his fitness as he looked for a new club.

Wilshere has released a lengthy post on social media with the caption: "I've lived my dream. Thank you all."

"Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.

"It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career. From being the little boy kicking a ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup. I have lived my dream.

"In truth, it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I have still had so much to give.

"Having played at the very highest level I have always held such ambitions within the game and if I am truthful I did not envisage being in this position at times.

"However, having had time to reflect and walk with those closest with me I know that now is the right time and despite the difficult moments I look back on my career with great pride at what I have achieved.

"Playing at the very highest level with some of the best players in the world, winning FA Cups, captaining my club and representing my country were beyond my wildest dreams when I was a small boy growing up in Hitchin.

"I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for the love and support of so many people."