Jack Wilshere quitting Arsenal is a ‘big loss’ to his boyhood club, says sad pal Olivier Giroud
Ex-England star deserves to join another top team, according to the Chelsea striker who played with him at the Emirates
OLIVIER GIROUD reckons Jack Wilshere’s decision to quit Arsenal is a ‘big loss’.
Midfielder Wilshere, 26, will leave his boyhood club after being told he was likely to be a bit-part player at the Emirates under new boss Unai Emery.
Wilshere spent 17 years at Arsenal and his exit follows France striker Giroud, who was sold to Chelsea for £18million during the January window.
Giroud said: “It’s big news and I’m very sad to hear it, because he’s a good friend.
“Jack is a good lad, a very good player, very talented and it is a shame he has had so many injuries.
“But he came back well last season and it was good to see him on the pitch, enjoying his game and being strong.
“It’s a big loss and I hope he will bounce back as soon as possible at a good club.
"I wish him the very best because I appreciate him. I hope for him and his family he will bounce back.”
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West Ham, Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolves are being linked with a free transfer move for Wilshere, who failed to make England’s provisional World Cup squad despite regaining his form.
Wilshere career has been ravaged by injuries but he battled back to fitness and played 38 games last season.
And he is a hugely popular figure with the Arsenal fans.
His departure is considered a radical move for former Paris Saint-Germain manager Emery due to the player’s connections to Arsenal.
Giroud, 31, said: “The new manager will make the decision and he has the responsibility for the team and the player.”
France made the knockout stages of the World Cup with a game to spare, beating Peru 1-0 in Ekaterinburg on Thursday.
A point against Denmark on Tuesday will see them into the last 16 top of Group C.
Giroud had a hand in Kylian Mbappe’s winner against Peru as he became France’s youngest goalscorer at a major tournament — aged 19 years and 183 days.
Giroud said: “Mbappe’s very fast, he strikes a good shot, has nice skills. He’s very hard to defend against.”