http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wilshere-signs-professional-terms-with-club
Wilshere signs professional terms with Club
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that
Jack Wilshere has signed professional terms with the Club.
Jack,who turned 17 on New Year’s Day and was therefore eligible to sign hisfirst professional contract, has already started to make an impact withhis performances for the first team as he continues his excellentdevelopment at the Club.
Jack, an England Youth International,made Arsenal history making his full first team debut, coming on as an81st minute substitute against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in thePremier League on September 30, 2008. At 16 years and 256 days, hebecame the youngest ever player to represent Arsenal in both the Leagueand the Premier League.
Just 10 days later, aged 16 years and266 days, Jack made his first full competitive start for the Club inthe Carling Cup Third Round victory over Sheffield United, capping offa fine performance with his debut goal for the first team in the 6-0win.
Jack, who comes from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, madefurther history for Arsenal when he came on as a substitute in the 76thminute during the UEFA Champions League home match against Dynamo Kyivon November 25, 2008. At 16 years 329 days, he became the youngest everplayer to represent Arsenal in European competitions.
AtArsenal since he was nine years old, left-footed Jack, who to date hasmade six first team appearances, was the youngest player taking part inthe first team’s Austrian pre-season training camp in July, aged just16. He scored twice in the friendly with Burgenland, and netted againagainst Stuttgart. He then played both games in the Emirates Cup,impressing against both Juventus and Real Madrid.
Everyone at the Club is looking forward to Jack’s continued contribution and development with Arsenal in the forthcoming years.
