Arsenal announces that Jack Wilshere will leave after June

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"Thanks for everything, Jack", wrote by Premier League's Arsenal on Thursday on its official website as a goodbye to their 26-year-old midfield field player Jack Wilshere who confirmed one day earlier that he will leave the club after his contract ended by the end of June.

"For your love, for your commitment and fighting spirit, for THAT Norwich goal, for the FA Cups, for the 2013/14 goal of the season, for the 2014/15 goal of the season, for the 197 appearances, for the 17 years and for just being you...THANK YOU @JACKWILSHERE #GoodLuckJack", said Arsenal on Twitter.

Wilshere joined Arsenal in 2001 when he was a kid and spent the next 17 years at the club. /VCG Photo

Wilshere posted on Instagram that his agent and him spent month negotiating with Arsenal for a new contract. But after talking to the team's new manager Unai Emery, Wilshere realized that his time in the field will be largely reduced if he stays. That has left him no choice but to seek other options outside Arsenal.

"There will be the opportunity to talk properly when the time is right but for now I would just like to thank everyone at the club for everything over the past 17 years, in particular Arsene Wenger and his staff, all of my teammates over the years, everyone at the Academy for helping me to fulfill my dream and of course the fans, who I have always shared such a special relationship with," wrote Wilshere.

Wilshere #20 playing for England's national football team /VCG Photo

Wilshere joined Arsenal's youth training camp in 2001 and made his Premier League debut in 2008 at the age of 16 years old, creating a new record in team history. In his 17 years of career at Arsenal, Wilshere played 197 games and scored 14 goals.

Arsenal's former manager Arsène Wenger praised Wilshere as having the skills of a Spanish player and a heart of an English player. Former captain of England Steven Gerrard said Wilshere has what it takes to become one of the world's top players. Roy Hodgson, former manager of England believed Wilshere is undoubtedly able to be captain of a team.