West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Jack Wilshere on a three-year contract.
The 26-year-old midfielder arrives at London Stadium and joins the Club he supported as a boy after he chose to leave Arsenal after 17 years when his contract expired last month.
The 34-cap England international put pen-to-paper with the Hammers on Monday and will fly out to Switzerland to link up with Manuel Pellegrini’s squad at their pre-season training camp in Bad Ragaz.
It feels good, it feels special. Many people know that I’ve had a special bond with this Club growing up
Jack Wilshere
“It feels good, it feels special,” said Wilshere, whose father and brother are also lifelong Hammers. “Many people know that I’ve had a special bond with this Club growing up.
“People will have seen the picture of me in a West Ham shirt and I’ve got good memories of my childhood supporting West Ham, watching them at Upton Park. It feels good and of course my family and a few of my friends are West Ham fans so everyone’s buzzing.”
Wilshere said he did not have to think twice when he learned of West Ham’s interest in securing his services, with Pellegrini’s ambitious plans, the passion of the Claret and Blue Army and London Stadium all convincing him his future lie in east London.
“I think it was a number of things,” he confirmed, “the manager being one and the way he wants to play and where he sees me playing.
“The fans, of course – everyone knows how big West Ham’s fanbase is – and especially in this new Stadium. Not many clubs could fill it week in, week out, and West Ham do.
“I want to be playing here in front of the Hammers, and my bond I’ve had with the Club over my childhood will make it even more special.”
Jack is a player with vast experience and quality at the highest level
Mario Husillos
Director of Football Mario Husillos said Wilshere’s qualities made him a natural target for the Hammers.
“Manuel and I identified him as a target as soon as we joined the Club and we are delighted to have succeeded in securing Jack’s signature above a number of other teams.
“Jack is a player with vast experience and quality at the highest level, having played all of his career in the Premier League.
“On the biggest stage, he has shown that he has game-changing abilities, as well as having the creativity and intelligence to make a real difference to our squad.
“He is a passionate man and has shown winning characteristics throughout his career. Jack will be a great addition and we look forward to seeing his undoubted quality in a West Ham United shirt over the coming years as we fight for important goals at the Club.”
Born in Hertfordshire, Wilshere grew up in a West Ham-supporting family, idolising the likes of John Moncur, Paolo Di Canio and Joe Cole.
Wilshere joined Arsenal at the age of nine and rose through the ranks to make his first team debut in a Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers in September 2008 – when he was just 16.
After a successful loan spell with Bolton Wanderers, he returned to Emirates Stadium and became a Premier League regular while still a teenager.
A two-time FA Cup winner, Wilshere played 27 times in the UEFA Champions League for the Gunners, announcing himself with an outstanding display in a Round of 16 victory over Barcelona in February 2011.
The last two seasons have brought plenty of first-team action for the midfielder, with 27 appearances during a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth in 2016/17 being followed by 38 outings in all competitions for the Gunners last term, including 13 in their run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Internationally, he featured in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016 with England, scoring twice in his 34 appearances for the Three Lions.
West Ham United would like to welcome Jack and his family to the Club and wish him every success in his career in Claret and Blue.