Jack Wilshere: Arsene Wenger key to my new Arsenal deal

Jack Wilshere has revealed that Arsene Wenger’s presence at Arsenal was a major reason behind his decision to sign a new long-term deal at the club.

Wilshere put pen to paper on a fresh five-year contract with the north Londoners last week to keep him at Emirates Stadium until 2018.

The England international, who missed the whole of last season with knee and ankle injuries, said the Frenchman’s influence played a large part in convincing him to stay in north London.

“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.”

Wilshere’s new contract was announced as four other British players signed new deals with the Gunners.

Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all penned long-term contracts with Arsenal.

And Wilshere believes the core of young British talent will help the Gunners become a force to be reckoned with in seasons to come.

He added: “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.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 19, I’m 20, Carl Jenkinson is 20, Kieran Gibbs 23. 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.”