EPL: Arsenal Announce Jack Wilshere, Mehmet Ali As Head Coaches For U18 And U21

English former football player, Jack Wilshere has been named as the new manager of the Arsenal Under-18 team.

Naija News recalls that Wilshere came up through Arsenal’s youth academy at an early age and made a total of 197 appearances for the English Premier League club following his first-team debut in 2008.

The now 30-year-old player was then Arsenal’s youngest ever league debutant at the age of 16 years.

Wilshere’s new career path is coming barely a week after the former England midfielder announced his retirement from playing football.

The North London club also confirmed the appointment of Mehmet Ali as the new head coach of the club’s Under-21 team.

Mehmet had joined Arsenal’s Under-23s as an assistant coach in early January 2022.

The club said it found Mehmet outstanding in the last six months and hence he will now take on the role of Head Coach for the Under-21s as well as the club’s Professional Development Phase lead.

The North London club took to its official social media handles and website to announce both Mehmet and Wilshere’s new roles at the club on Monday.

The statement sighted by Naija News on the club’s platform reads: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mehmet Ali and Jack Wilshere as the new Head Coaches of our Under-21 and Under-18 sides, respectively.

“Jack, a former academy graduate who made 197 Arsenal appearances between 2008 and 2018, during which time he won the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015 and the FA Youth Cup in 2009, is back working at the club where he takes on his first role in coaching, as the Head Coach of our Under-18s.”

Speaking on his appointment, Wilshere said: “It’s a huge honour to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready. I’m hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.

“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me.”

On his part, Mehmet said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be a part of this club and lead our Under-21s. I’ve already had six good months at the club, so I’ve got a sound understanding of the players. I’m now really excited and looking forward to continuing working with the group and playing my part in developing strong young Gunners.

“It’s a huge honour to have this role. It’s no secret that I love this club. I love what we stand for and a big part of my life was spent in this academy, some of the best days of my life. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready. I’m hungry and can’t wait to help these young players thrive and be the best they can be on and off the pitch.”

“It’s a special feeling to be part of the Arsenal family. It never left me, and even though I moved on for a few years, my heart was always still at Arsenal. I can’t wait to get started and help these young players thrive with a great team around me,” Mehmet added.

This article was originally published on Naija News