Jack Wilshere declared he is at the “perfect” club after signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
The 18-year-old Englishman, who joined Arsenal at the age of nine, has dazzled in central midfield during his eight Premier League appearances for Arsene Wenger’s men this season.
Wilshere said: “At this point in my career, when I’m only 18 years old and still learning so much about the game and myself, this is the perfect club, the perfect team-mates, the perfect fans, the perfect backroom staff and most importantly, the perfect manager to help continue that.”
Wilshere, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton, earned his first full England cap when he played for the national side in a friendly against Hungary in August.
“To be offered a new contract means everything to me,” he added. “Arsenal has been like a second home for me and my family since I was nine years old.”
Arsenal boss Wenger said: “Jack is a fantastic footballer with a huge amount of potential, and we have all seen with his performances so far that he is a very gifted player, who could be an extremely influential player at the top level of the game.
“At still only 18 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him and we’re all excited by the fact that he will be an Arsenal player for years to come.”
Meanwhile, the Arsenal manager played down expectations that injured midfielder Aaron Ramsey is close to a first team return for the Gunners.
Ramsey, 19, has been out of action since fracturing his tibia and fibula against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium in February.
“Aaron should be in full training next Friday [5 November],” added Wenger. “But then you have to give him at least a month with the reserve team.”