Jack Wilshere says his previous Arsenal connections mean he could never play for north London rivals Tottenham.
The free agent midfielder joined Arsenal at the age of nine and rose through the youth ranks, eventually going on to make 198 first-team appearances for the club across all competitions after being handed a competitive senior debut by Arsene Wenger in 2008.
A key member of the Gunners’ 2008-09 FA Youth Cup winning team, Wilshere also later won two FA Cups under Wenger as well as the Community Shield in 2014.
He left Arsenal in 2018 following the expiration of his contract amid doubts over the chance for regular opportunities under Mikel Arteta’s predecessor, Unai Emery.
Wilshere is now once again unattached and on the hunt for a new club after agreeing the mutual termination of his underwhelming and injury-plagued two-year stint at West Ham.
Jack Wilshere made 198 appearances for Arsenal before leaving in 2018
Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesAsked on Sky Sports’ Super 6 podcast if he could ever join Tottenham, the 28-year-old said: "I love [Jose] Mourinho, I think he's an unbelievable coach ... But I couldn't do it.
"They wouldn't have me... But I don't think I could do it. It's not as if Arsenal got rid of me and kicked me out and there is bad feeling, they offered me a deal and I wanted to try something else. I'm an Arsenal man."
It remains to be seen where Wilshere will land next, but he has appeared open to the possibility of continuing his career overseas, having declared a particularly affinity for LaLiga, where he feels his style of play would be well suited.
However, it appears the midfielder - who also has 34 senior caps for England - is in no hurry to make a decision over his next destination, having said he would first seek the advice of former mentor Wenger.
"It's important to find a club where I'm going to play, be an important player, be happy," he added.
"I don't want to rush into anything. It has to be the right team in the right country."
