Arsenal's Jack Wilshere reveals he is planning for life after retirement by getting his coaching qualifications
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Jack Wilshere is taking his coaching badges.
The Arsenal and England midfielder has revealed he wants to bring through future generations of talent at the Emirates and is keen to get his qualifications now.
Wilshere, in contention to start Wednesday's London derby against West Ham, said: “Last year when I was [on loan] at Bournemouth, they weren’t in Europe and didn’t have midweek games. So it felt like an opportunity.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
“A few of the lads were talking about doing their Level Two badge and I thought I would jump on it and get through it.
“I really enjoyed it and thought that while I’m fit and healthy and playing I might not need it. But even if I have another ten years in me I don't want to be at the end of my career and then have a year out and think, 'What do I want to do?' then have to go through Level Two, UEFA A and UEFA B.
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“So I’m doing my UEFA B at the minute and lucky we have great facilities and great players.
“Also the PFA and the FA have been really helpful. I am going to complete that and see what I want to do.”
Wilshere, 25, revealed team-mate Per Mertesacker, who is set to hang up his boots and take over at the Arsenal academy next season, inspired him to plan for his future.
He told Arsenal’s official magazine: “It was Per’s idea for me to carry on with the qualifications.
“I told him what I was going at Bournemouth and he said, 'If you want to continue it with me, I’m doing it.' I was up for it.
“I think Per is going to be great in that job.
“He might need an assistant one day so you never know! He’s got that character. He’s a great captain even when he’s not playing.
“He’s so positive and he wants the team to do well. So he’s a great example for a younger player.
“If you’re 13 or 14 coming through, he’s someone to look up to. I’m sure he’ll pass his knowledge to them.”