Wenger wants "world-class" Wilshere to end career at Arsenal
24-year-old joined Bournemouth on loan after injury-disrupted last season
PHOTO: REUTERS
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed midfielder Jack Wilshere to return to the London based club after his loan spell at Bournemouth and see out the rest of his career at the Emirates stadium.
The England international was loaned to Bournemouth on deadline day after an injury-disrupted season in which he made only three Arsenal appearances, leading to speculation his career at the Emirates could be nearing the end.
But Wenger insisted that the 24-year-old's move was designed to ensure he will get adequate playing time this season so he could regain his competitive edge. "He is a world-class player, he doesn't have to show me his quality," the Frenchman told a news conference on Friday. "I hope personally that he stays his whole career here."
Wenger also revealed that the decision for Wilshere to go out on loan was one he took after consultations with the player. "We had a chat together. He felt ready to play," the manager added. "I couldn't guarantee that and it looked logical to give him time -- the challenge is to play the games."
Arsenal will be looking for their second Premier League win of the season when they play Southampton on Saturday while Wilshere is expected to make his debut for Bournemouth who are hosting West Bromwich Albion.
The England international was loaned to Bournemouth on deadline day after an injury-disrupted season in which he made only three Arsenal appearances, leading to speculation his career at the Emirates could be nearing the end.
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But Wenger insisted that the 24-year-old's move was designed to ensure he will get adequate playing time this season so he could regain his competitive edge. "He is a world-class player, he doesn't have to show me his quality," the Frenchman told a news conference on Friday. "I hope personally that he stays his whole career here."
Wenger also revealed that the decision for Wilshere to go out on loan was one he took after consultations with the player. "We had a chat together. He felt ready to play," the manager added. "I couldn't guarantee that and it looked logical to give him time -- the challenge is to play the games."
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Arsenal will be looking for their second Premier League win of the season when they play Southampton on Saturday while Wilshere is expected to make his debut for Bournemouth who are hosting West Bromwich Albion.