Former Gunner Jack Wilshere has revealed the 'strange' reason Arsene Wenger hasn't returned to the Premier League - and it will please Arsenal fans everywhere.
The popular Wilshere, now plying his trade with West Ham, spent 17 years of his life at the north London giants, and has many fond memories of his time playing under the long-serving Frenchman.
Wilshere won two FA Cups during his time with Arsenal after Wenger handed him his first team debut at the tender age of just 16.
While Wenger's final years at the club he bossed between 1996 and 2018 were marred by bitter arguments between fans who wanted him to leave, and those who wished him to stay, Wilshere has nothing but respect for his former manager.
Wenger was expected to return to management at the highest level, but surprisingly has failed to join a club.
Wenger claimed to have rebuffed interest from European football royalty in the form of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich during his time at Arsenal - but many expected the Frenchman to work in England again after he left the club 14 months ago.
However, Wenger has yet to take another job in the English top flight - and Wilshere believes he knows why.
The 27-year-old has been training hard over the summer in a bid to hit the ground running for the Irons as the new season approaches, but took time out of his busy schedule to speak exclusively to football.london during a training session at his NCF Elites coaching course.
"I think Arsene Wenger could do a job anywhere. I'd like to think he would come back into management as he's got so much to offer," he said.
"He always had faith in me and I think he could do a job anywhere. He's a real football man. He loves the game and he knows the game inside out. He was brilliant for me and I'll always wish him well.
"But I don't think he wants to do it in the Premier League because he doesn't want to come up against Arsenal, because that would be a bit strange for him and the fans."
Wilshere joined West Ham on a three year deal last summer after his contract with the Gunners expired in June 2018.
Despite having his career interrupted by injuries Wilshere has showed character to return and is looking forward to playing a major part in helping the East Londoners challenge for a domestic trophy.
Jack Wilshere NCF Elites provides talented players the chance to represent England at the world's largest youth tournament, the Gothia Youth World Cup in Sweden, which features around 1700 teams from 80 nations playing 4,500 games on 110 fields.
For more on Jack Wilshere's NCF Elites click here.
