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EXCLUSIVE: If Arsene Wenger had remained at Arsenal I would have stayed reveals Jack Wilshere

Outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says goodbye to the fans after the Premier League match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. PA PA Wire/PA Images

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been discussing various topics with Layth Yousif during his exclusive interview. The talented 26-year-old invited Layth to his house for an in-depth discussion on a wide-ranging number of issues as the star prepares to launch his first soccer school at the end of this month. Read on for more...

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger salutes the fans after his final home game as manager during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger salutes the fans after his final home game as manager during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London.

Jack Wilshere has revealed he would have stayed at Arsenal if Arsene Wenger had remained as manager.

Speaking at his home as he gears up to launch his own soccer school in North Herts later this month, the star who spent 17 years with the Gunners, admitted he had been close to signing a new deal last spring before Frenchman’s departure was announced.

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v A.C. Milan at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v A.C. Milan at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO

Unai Emery was appointed as head coach in May to replace Wenger, but after speaking with the new boss who told the creative midfielder he could not guarantee him regular football Wilshere eventually left for West Ham on a free transfer after his contract expired on July 1.

Wilshere said: “If Arsene had stayed I would have stayed because of the influence he had in my career and the trust he had in me. He gave me the armband and respected me a lot.

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal after the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v A.C. Milan at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO Jack Wilshere of Arsenal after the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v A.C. Milan at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO

“So, I had pretty much agreed to stay. And then he left and that changed things.

“Arsene had said to me previously ‘stay and fight your way back into the team’ – because I knew Arsene and knew he had trust in me, I knew I could do that and fight my way into the team.

England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO

“I knew that if I got myself fit and was training well that Arsene would put me in – and he did.

“But things were changing at the club and they were going into a new era and maybe it was time for me to leave as well.”

England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO

The Jack Wilshere Soccer School runs in Letchworth on Tuesday, October 30, Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1. Courses are available for boys and girls aged four to 15. Everyone attending will be given a trophy and a signed photograph of Jack.

England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO England's Jack Wilshere speaks to Layth Yousif at his home. Picture: DANNY LOO

Across the three days youngsters will also have the chance to meet Jack and receive expert coaching from him and coaches provided by soccer school associate Paul Deller and his ‘Grassroots Soccer’ organisation.

To book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jack-wilshere-and-grassroots-soccer-school-tickets-48987092713

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League game between Arsenal v Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, Islington, London. Picture: DANNY LOO

Follow Layth on Twitter @laythy29