Jack Wilshere is hoping his move from Arsenal to West Ham will revive his career, with that being a key reason why he chose to stay in the Premier League, Sky Sports reports.
Wilshere was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for the World Cup and openly admitted his disappointment over the decision at the time.
The midfielder has since ended his 17-year stay at Arsenal and completed a move to West Ham, after new Arsenal boss Unai Emery was unable to promise him regular football.
Having signed a three-year deal as a free transfer to the Hammers last week, the 26-year-old has said that he hopes the move will help him revive both his club and international career.
That’s a big reason why I stayed in the Premier League. I’ve always said before, I love playing for my country, I’m proud to do it and it’s been a while since I’ve done it.
While I’m playing and I’m still fit and healthy, I want to be playing for England.
Wilshere was asked by Sky Sports if the England manager had been in contact with him since the World Cup.
Not really, but I’m sure it’s open to every English player. As long as you’re playing well, you’re fit, and doing well for your club that’s all you can do, and then rely on the England manager to pick you.
England enjoyed a successful World Cup which saw them reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1990.
Wilshere said that he was impressed with the national side at the World Cup, but that it has not provided him with extra motivation to force himself into the squad.
I wouldn’t say it has motivated me more. I’ve always been motivated to play for my country. Of course I was proud and happy with the boys and what they did over there.
In past tournaments maybe we’ve been accused of not playing with freedom, and they really played with freedom. That’s something I want to be part of. All I can do is play well for West Ham and hopefully get picked.
West Ham have already had a busy transfer window, with the club record signing of Felipe Anderson the latest to join new boss Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium.
Wilshere went on to speak of the club’s chances of breaking into a European spot next season.
We don’t want to put any limits on our season. We’ve got some top players who have played in Europe’s top leagues at top clubs.
From a personal point of view I want to be playing in Europe. From the players they’ve brought in and the players that are there, they want a better season than they did last year.
It’s important we take each game as it comes and build up from there.
