“Wenger was a major factor in my decision to sign new deal” – Wilshere

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, has said that coach Arsene Wenger, was a major factor, as he signed a contract extension to stay at the club.

The 20-year-old England international, signed new deals along with Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson, but says Wenger’s fervent support ensured he commited his future to the club.

“He’s always been there for me,” Wilshere told the Official Arsenal Magazine. “He showed faith in me when I was 18, and he stuck with me throughout the whole time I was injured.

“He knew the only thing that would get me better is games, and he stood by me. I need to thank him for that, and yes, he was a big part of why I signed.

“This is my home, my family are 20 minutes away from the training ground, and my friends are all around here. I was brought up at this Club and it was an easy decision to extend my contract. We just needed to get a few things right, which didn’t take long and I’m really happy that my future is sorted.

“I’m very happy here. I’ve signed a long-term deal, I’m not 21 yet and I see my future here. We have got a good crop of young players, and good young English players as well. We’ve got Coquelin, Ramsey too – we are all coming through together and we are all improving as we get more experience.

“Chambo’s 19, I’m 20, Jenko is 20, Gibbs too. When you get to 25 or 26 that’s when you hit your peak and we all want to be here for that. We want to create something and we want to win things for Arsenal together.”

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