Jack Wilshere confirms he will leave Arsenal after 17 years at the club

The long-serving midfielder is to become a free agent following talks with Unai Emery, with a 17-year association with the Gunners brought to a close

Arsenal are the club he has been with since nine years old. He has played 197 games for the Gunners, winning four trophies.

Wilshere took to Instagram to post an emotional farewell to the Gunners fans.

He wrote: "I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal when my contract empires ar the end of June.

"Following a number of extensive conversations with those art the club, and in particular a recent meeting with new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.

"As has widely been reported, I, along with my representative have been in talks with the club for a number of months with a view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirates."

"My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain and Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club. Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.

"However following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remaining, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.

"I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing regular first team football and following my meeting with My Emery I cam away feeling that it would be very difficult to do so at Arsenal.

"Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch."

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