Arsene Wenger Jack Wilshere

Wilshere urges Arsenal stars to give 'gentleman' Wenger the perfect send-off

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has paid tribute to manager Arsene Wenger and called for the Gunners to give the Frenchman the "right" send-off.

Wenger announced on Friday that he would be leaving his role as manager of the north Londoners, bringing an end to a 21-year spell in charge of the club.

And Wilshere, who was promoted to the first team by Wenger and given his debut in September 2008, has thanked the 68-year-old for the role he has played in his development.

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He wrote on Instagram: "To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbelievable faith and commitment towards me.

"Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't.

"Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us now to end your era right. #onearsenewenger."

Hector Bellerin, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011, also paid tribute to Wenger and wrote on his Instagram page: "Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man.

"The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss."

Arsenal face West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday before hosting Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

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