Jack Wilshere sets his sights on becoming Arsenal captain
The 21-year-old says he wants to become 'a leader' at the Emirates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jack Wilshere has spoken of his ambition to eventually become Arsenal captain.
The midfielder is looking to re-establish himself as an integral part of the Gunners' starting XI after an ankle injury curtailed his progress.
Back in January, during the final half an hour of Arsenal’s 5-1 home victory over West Ham United, the 21-year-old was handed the armband when club-captain Thomas Vermaelen went off, and Wilshere has told the Evening Standard it is an item he would like to wear more in the future.
“I've grown up at this club and I have captained the club at under-16 level, under-18 level and last season as well I got the armband for 20 minutes or so [against West Ham in January] which was a nice feeling. I want to do that [be a leader] for this club,” said Wilshere.
“From the team that I first broke into a lot of them have gone so I'm one of the few who's been around, there's Bac [Sagna] as well but I'm one of the only midfielders who has been around for a while.
“Mikel [Arteta] came in, he was the captain at Everton and he's the vice-captain here and you can tell by the way he is off the pitch, even when he was injured he was in the dressing room and giving us support. I do feel a bit of responsibility but I have players around to help me.”
The Premier League returns on Saturday with Arsenal looking to maintain their two-point lead at the top with victory over Southampton and Wilshere says spirits are high.
“At the moment I would probably say it's the best atmosphere I've ever experienced in the dressing room,” added Wilshere.
“There are some real characters in there, some funny guys and some serious guys, there are professional guys who want to get things done and don't like people being late, so everyone's disciplined.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments