GONE..IN 15 MINUTES
That’s how long it took Emery to tell a heartbroken Wilshere his 17-year Arsenal career was over
UNAI EMERY ended Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal career in just 15 minutes.
That is how long their first meeting lasted and all it took for Emery to make it clear Wilshere had no future at the Emirates.
It was a heartbreaking moment for the midfielder, who spent 17 years at Arsenal and will face his former club for the first time since leaving for West Ham in the summer.
However, Emery insists he has nothing but respect for the 26-year-old and was honest enough to tell him that he would not get regular games under his management.
The Gunners boss said: “I spoke with him for 15 minutes here in Colney (training ground) before he left. The first thing, for me, is that I have respect for his career here.
“And then he chose what the best was for him in his future.
“It’s for that, on Saturday, I know that the supporters here like him and have respect too. I think he will get a good reception. Our conversation was very clear. For me, one thing was important for him – to be a protagonist in a new project.
“Because maybe here he would not be the protagonist each match on the pitch. It is a more competitive situation for him to play.
“I am happy if he becomes the protagonist at West Ham. The first conversation was in this direction. I wish him the best in his career at West Ham – but not on Saturday!
“Before the match, we can remember him and then, over 90 minutes, we are thinking about winning this match.”
Wilshere was desperate to stay at Arsenal, had agreed a contract after his previous deal expired in the summer, but then did a U-turn after meeting Emery, who made it clear he was not in his plans.
With a heavy heart, Wilshere had to clear out his locker, say his goodbyes and then joined West Ham on a free transfer.
He grew up in a West Hamsupporting family, but he can
It’s down to me to prove Arsenal were wrong to get rid of me
expect a wonderful reception when he returns because he had become a cult hero at Arsenal.
However, Wilshere admitted he is desperate to prove his former paymasters wrong.
“I’ve got to try and block all the emotion out,” he said. “I’ve got to concentrate on football – and I quite fancy our chances.
“They’ve got a new manager, but, obviously, I know the players really well, so, hopefully, it will be a good time to play them.
“It will be a strange one for me as I was never able to go there and play when I went out on loan because you can’t play against your parent club, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.
“It’s down to me to prove a point to Arsenal that they were wrong to get rid of me.”