Redknapp: This is why I have so much respect for Arsenal 24-year-old
By Tony Hughes
Jamie Redknapp has claimed he has "so much respect" for Jack Wilshere because he did not just settle for the easy life at Arsenal.
The Gunners talisman is on a season-long loan at Bournemouth trying to resurrect his career after years of fitness problems.
He completed his first 90 minutes in two years on Saturday as he played a key role in Bournemouth's 0-0 draw against Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium.
Redknapp, who was himself plagued by injuries during his career, advised Wilshere on Saturday to leave Arsenal and expanded further on why the midfielder needs to look beyond Emirates Stadium when considering how he maps out his future.
"I have so much respect for Jack Wilshere," Redknapp wrote in his Daily Mail column. "So many players would be happy to sit on the bench, taking their money, but Jack has shown so much bottle by going on loan to Bournemouth.
"When I said on Saturday that I don't think he has a future at Arsenal, it wasn't anything personal.
"I just can't see how he can get back into this Arsenal team and I believe the challenge of playing for another club would be best for his career.
"No disrespect to Bournemouth, but Jack would be better served going to a bigger team next season and continue playing 90 minutes every game. It would be too comfortable for Wilshere if he simply went back to the Emirates.
"This is only my opinion and if he returned to Arsenal I'm sure he'd try to prove me wrong. I just feel that a fresh start will give Wilshere the best chance to reach his full potential."
Wilshere started his fifth league match of the season on Saturday as he showed signs that his seemingly neverending series of injuries could finally be behind him.
The England international, 24, has entered the final two years of the Gunners contract he signed in 2012 when it appeared he had the world at his feet.
Wilshere, who has won 34 caps for his country, has made 160 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and supplying 24 assists.
In other Arsenal transfer news, Arsene Wenger has admitted this midfielder is likely to leave Emirates Stadium in January.