Jack Wilshere, a former Arsenal midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 30.
Injuries have kept Wilshere out of the game since leaving the north London club in 2018. He spent the previous season with Danish club Aarhus.
“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,” Wilshere posted on Twitter.
“In truth it has been difficult to accept my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control whilst feeling that I still have so much to give.
“Having played at the very highest level I have always held such huge 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 came through Arsenal’s youth system and made his senior debut at the age of 16 in September 2008, becoming the club’s youngest ever league debutant. He went on to appear in 197 games for the club, including 22 in the Champions League.
He later played for Bournemouth and West Ham United, but injuries plagued his career.
Wilshere rejoined Bournemouth in the Championship in 2021 before joining Aarhus last season.
Wilshere has 34 England international caps, including appearances at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
“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,” the former England international added.