Pellegrini: I don’t know why Arsenal allowed Wilshere to leave

Pellegrini: I don’t know why Arsenal allowed Wilshere to leave

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is confused as to why Arsenal allowed Jack Wilshere to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

Wilshere left the Gunners after spending 17 years at the club, and joined the Hammers for nothing as they attempt to reach a European Cup spot in the league by signing class players such as the England international.

The 26-year-old looked like he was becoming a key figure in Arsene Wenger’s plans at the Emirates last season, only for him to leave the club after 22 years.

His successor, Unai Emery, was happy for Wilshere to stay at the club, but warned his game time would be strictly limited.



Wilshere then took the decision to leave Arsenal, swapping the north of the capital for the east.

He has played every minute of West Ham’s Premier League campaign so far, and is expected to feature in this weekend’s clash between his current and former club.

But speaking ahead of the game, Pellegrini admitted he could not understand why Arsenal allowed a player with Wilshere’s calibre to leave.

“I played here three years against Arsenal, and before that with Villarreal in the Champions League,” said Pellegrini.

“Jack was always a very good player. I don’t know the reason why he finished his contract with Arsenal.

“I don’t know why Arsenal allowed him to come here.

“If you need fast players they cannot do it. But if you need good technical players that do not lose any balls, then they can play together.

“A lot of you will remember Juventus around four or five years ago, they played with one holding midfielder. It was Pirlo. And Pirlo is the same as Jack. He has the same characteristics as Jack.”

“I think that Jack Wilshere must play as Jack Wilshere. He is not a defensive midfielder to hold the line. He is a midfielder more comfortable when he comes out from our side and not receiving the ball back from the other goal.

“You must leave him to play alone, the play the moment, to receive the ball because he is going to make things happen.”