Jack Wilshere Retires Aged 30 As Arsenal Pay Tribute To Former Captain

Wilshere, who represented England 34 times between 2010 and 2016, wrote: "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."

He added: "In truth it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away 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 talk 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."

Wilshere retires having played 182 games in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing 18 assists.

Although he only scored eight EPL goals, two of them won the BBC's Goal of the Season award on Match of the Day - in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

Wilshere played at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and at Euro 2016.

"I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime," Wilshere reflected.

"Now is the right time to close this chapter but I still have so much to give to the game and I am excited about what the future holds."

Arsenal's social media team responded to Wilshere's statement by posting some pictures from his Gunners career.

The photos were accompanied by the words: "Our Jack... For that game against Barca to that goal against Norwich, and everything in between - we love you.

"A star on the pitch and a supporter off it. You lived the dream. Congratulations on an incredible career, @JackWilshere".