New West Ham United signing Jack Wilshere has always divided opinion in the world of football.
West Ham completed the free transfer signing of Wilshere after the midfielder’s release from Arsenal.
The Hammers were one of a number of clubs linked with a move for Wilshere, but it was new West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini who won the race for the 26-year-old midfielder after he left the Gunners on July 1.
The signing of boyhood Hammer Wilshere has stirred debate in footballing circles about a player who has it seems always divided opinion.
Some pundits have spoken out since his move saying they feel the former Bournemouth loanee should have challenged himself by moving abroad with several Italian clubs and Fenerbache reportedly keen on his services, as reported by Sky Sports.
Others feel it is the perfect move for the club and player to show his true talents.
Undoubtedly talented Wilshere was a rare thing in England, a player that can look after the football in midfield.
But he has always divided opinion among fans and within the game itself.
Here are a selection of the most famous comments from over the years on West Ham’s new signing, the good, the bad and the ugly from Pep Guardiola and Roy Keane to Arsene Wenger and Xavi:
Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi
“If he had a career that had been injury-free we would already be talking about him as one of the top central midfield players in Europe,” Xavi told The Mirror back in 2015.
“I have played against him, I have watched him carefully, and if he can overcome injuries, then he can still go on an be one of the best midfield players in the world.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
“Wilshere is a top player,” Guardiola told the Guardian in 2011.
“He is an excellent player, not just Arsenal, but also for the national team.
Jamie Redknapp
“He’s very similar to myself in that he’s unfortunately plays with injuries but if he can keep himself fit there’s no reason why he can’t be in the next England squad,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
Dean Ashton
“I just don’t think West Ham and Jack Wilshere fits,” Ashton told talkSPORT.
“Straight away he’s going to be under pressure to play a lot of football. Because West Ham fans have been used to me retiring, Andy Carroll being injured, and with Manuel Lanzini injured now, he’s going to be under pressure to play a lot of games and do the business.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane
“I always think, when Wilshere’s your captain, to me, probably the most overrated player on the planet,” Keane said on ITV back in February.
Former England now Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson
“I think for Jack the simple fact is going to be, can he get that number of games under his belt consistently that his admirers, like myself, have always wanted to see him get, which unfortunately injury has prevented him from getting?” Hodgson told talkSPORT in January.
Arsene Wenger on Jack Wilshere
“Jack Wilshere is a playmaker,” Wenger told beIN Sports earlier this month.
“He is a bit of a Messi type. He makes me think about Mbappe because I played him at 17 years of age because he was an exceptional talent.
Manuel Pellegrini on Jack Wilshere
“Jack is a player with excellent technical ability, combined with great energy and commitment, and has proven his quality both in the Premier League and at international level,” his new boss Pellegrini told the club’s official website.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
