English Premier League side, West Ham United have confirmed the signing of English midfielder and former Arsenal player, Jack Wilshere on a three-year deal, which is a free transfer. The club just as we earlier promised to bring you updates as we get them, released a statement online confirming this. The club statement on www.whufc.com reads:
“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.
As reported on the club website, Jack Wilshere while responding to question on him joining another London club said:
“It feels good, it feels special. 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 does.
“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.”
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.”