- Wilshere leaves his role in Arsenal's academy to join Norwich
- Former midfielder impressed in Under-18's role
- Per Mertesacker paid tribute to Wilshere's work
Jack Wilshere has bid an emotional farewell to Arsenal after leaving his role as Under-18 manager to join Norwich City.
It was revealed last week that former Gunners midfielder Wilshere was in talks over ending his two-year spell with the academy in favour of joining the senior Norwich coaching staff, and his departure was made official on Wednesday.
"I've loved every minute of my time as Under-18s head coach and would like to thank Edu, Per [Mertesacker], Mikel [Arteta], my colleagues in the academy and everyone at the club for their fantastic support during my time in the role," Wilshere told club media.
"As everyone knows, Arsenal is and always will be part of who I am, and the club means so much to me. However, this opportunity has come at the right time to progress my coaching career within a first-team environment.
"I have an incredibly special bond with the players and staff at Arsenal, and am so proud of the work we have done as a collective over the last two-and-a-half years. It's been a privilege to have been involved in the development and progression of such a special group, and I'll be continuing to watch and support from afar. The future is exciting both for the academy players and the club, and I know the group I've been working with will continue to progress and have the potential to achieve great things.
"I'd like to thank everyone at Arsenal Football Club for their support and understanding in my decision and wish everybody at the club the very best for the future. This club will always be close to my heart and for me, this is a 'see you again' rather than 'goodbye'."
Academy manager Per Mertesacker was among those to pay tribute to Wilshere's role with the youth side.
"Jack's development as a coach over the past two seasons has been really impressive," he said. "Jack has represented Arsenal in the best possible way, both as a player and in his role as an academy coach.
"Jack has not only been a role model for our younger generation on the pitch – showing the young players the skills required at the highest level, but has also demonstrated every day how to be the best possible person.
"Of course, we are all sad to see Jack leave, but we are so proud that we have played a positive part in his development into the next stage of his career as a young coach. We wish Jack and his family well at Norwich City, and his many friends here will be keeping in close contact with him as his journey in coaching continues."
