WILSHERE: I WANT TO BE IRONS HERO
HE remains loved at the Emirates, but Jack Wilshere is ready to make himself a hero at West Ham this season.
Fit and fully motivated, the England midfielder is really fired up to sparkle as the jewel in Manuel Pellegrini’s crown – to help the ambitious Irons to the next level.
In doing so, Wilshere aims to give Gareth Southgate a selection headache by forcing his way back into the England picture.
His chances of doing so have been heightened by the stunning injection of quality at the London Stadium, which has seen around £100million invested in the squad.
Having been on a pre-season training camp with his new team-mates in Switzerland, Wilshere can’t wait to get started.
“I’m excited by the signings,” he said. “With the manager, as well. As soon as I spoke to the manager, before I signed, it was clear that I wanted to be part of it.
“I need a manager who wants to play football, who wants to play out, play through the midfield. Press high and win the ball back straight away.
“You saw with his Manchester City team what he can do. I’m not saying we are going to win the Premier League, but if we can aim to what they were doing – playing football, pressing and winning the ball back high – we will be all right this year.
“It was a signal of intent when they put Manuel in charge. He has managed top clubs, has great experience, great staff with him and great ambitions for the club. “
Wilshere’s first trip back to Arsenal will be on Saturday, August 25 – an occasion he expects to be an emotional one.
He has already made it clear that he will not celebrate if he scores.
“No, I couldn’t,” he said. “I won’t celebrate out of respect for the fans because of the support they have shown me over the years.
“If I did score, I’m sure deep down they’d be happy for me, but it wouldn’t be right to celebrate.
“The day I was going to sign for West Ham, my dad said, ‘You are going back to Arsenal in the third game’. It is going to be weird, but now I am building up my fitness and the most important game is our first one – Liverpool away.” Jack Wilshere proudly fronts the launch of NERF LASER OPS PRO, now available for pre-order at select online retailers and available online and in stores later this month.