FORMER Cherries midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced his retirement from professional football, and reserved special thanks for Eddie Howe.

The 30-year-old has been without a club since his short-term deal at Danish outfit AGF came to an end this summer.

Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for Arsenal and earned 34 England caps, had two spells with Cherries.

He first joined on loan from the Gunners in the summer of 2016, playing a key role in Howe's men finishing ninth in the Premier League, the highest final placing in the club's history.

Wilshere then made a surprise return to Cherries in January 2021, arriving as a free agent to play in the Championship under Jason Tindall, penning a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The talented midfielder made 44 appearances for the club across his two spells, scoring twice.

Wilshere thanked a host of people in a lengthy statement to announce his retirement, including his family, former coaches and physios, as well as former Cherries striker and lifelong friend Benik Afobe.

Part of his statement read: "Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.

"It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did during my career.

"From being the little boy kicking a ball around in the garden to captaining my beloved Arsenal and playing for my country at a World Cup, I have lived my dream.

"In truth it has been difficult to accept that my career has been slipping away in recent times due to reasons outside of my control, whilst feeling that I still had so much to give.

"I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible if it wasn't for the love and support of so many people."

He added: "A special thank you to Roy Hodgson and Eddie Howe.

"Both of whom are fantastic managers that showed belief in me at critical points in my career and when I needed it most.

"Thank you to everyone connected with Bolton Wanderers, Bournemouth, West Ham United and AGF.

"Despite some difficult moments, I had many great moments at all of the clubs I represented and enjoyed my time at all."

Wilshere concluded: "I have enjoyed every moment of my career and it has been the journey of a lifetime.

"Now is the right time to close this chapter but I still have so much to give the game and I am excited about what the future holds."