By Laurie Whitwell

PUBLISHED: 10:46 EST, 23 August 2013 | UPDATED: 16:57 EST, 23 August 2013

Jack Wilshere has said his Arsenal career is inextricably linked with Arsene Wenger and that he could leave when the Frenchman departs.

The midfielder also said complaints over Wenger's record were 'ridiculous'.

'I want to win things with Arsenal and I want to be there, but if the boss leaves then things could change,' he told zapsportz.com.

Warning: Jack Wilshere has said he would have to consider his future at Arsenal were Arsene Wenger to leave

Critics: Wilshere has also hit out at Wenger's critics, branding them 'ridiculous'

Critics: Wilshere has also hit out at Wenger's critics, branding them 'ridiculous'

'Arsenal are always in my heart and signing a deal for the next five years shows my commitment to them and their commitment to me.

'Arsene Wenger has been there for so many years and he's always delivered trophies. OK we've had a little dip in the last five or six years, but he's a great manager and people who question his ability are ridiculous.'

'He's qualified for the Champions League for 16 years so I think he's the right man for the job.'

Preparation: Arsenal face Fulham at Craven Cottage at lunchtime on Saturday

Preparation: Arsenal face Fulham at Craven Cottage at lunchtime on Saturday


Wenger earned some breathing space with Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce, a result that has put Arsenal on the brink of qualification for the group stage of the Champions League.

Eight years have passed since the Gunners won any silverware and Wilshere's robust defence of his manager continued by revealing he expects to win something soon.

'We have lost a few strong, big-name players in recent years and that's hard for any club,' the 21-year-old England midfielder said.

Another year: Arsenal's win in Turkey has virtually guaranteed their passage into the group stage of the Champions League for another year

Another year: Arsenal's win in Turkey has virtually guaranteed their passage into the group stage of the Champions League again

'First we lost Thierry Henry and then Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie.

'That's hard, especially when Robin went to another team in England, it makes it harder for us to compete.

'But now we've got a good crop of young English players coming through and if we stay together and build something then we can win a trophy in the next few years.'

Losses: Selling the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry has made it difficult for Arsenal, says Wilshere

Losses: Selling the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry has made it difficult for Arsenal, says Wilshere

Zapsportz.com co-founder Glenn Hoddle has launched a nationwide search for young talent to improve British football. Visit Zapsportz.com for details.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Great Human Being. Dedicated. If Arsene goes I will never watch another Arsenal game

Report abuse

It the vocal minority aka Idiot Brigade get their way at the Emirates, then I'm sure Wilshere won't be the only one to depart. That vocal minority of Sun/Mirror reading chumps need to stop thinking about their vanity and about their team and actually support them. Last season the Arsenal away support was tremendous and helped the team. At Emirates the Idiot Brigade were so negative they were the 12th man for the away side. Support your team!

Report abuse

DM where does Jack say he will leave???????

Report abuse

Shut up Jack. When you have some medals you can start calling the shots!

Report abuse

If he gets the boot from the Gunners, we'll have him in a flash at the Toon !

Report abuse

"he's only delivered 5 in 14 years" emce, Lincolnshire. - Would that be four FA Cups or three leagues? That's seven which averages out at once every couple of years and he's been at Arsenal for 16 years. Seriously ill-educated comment dude, very poor knowledge. That's pretty embarrassing. - SammyB , Manchester, 24/8/2013 11:40 In the last 14 YEARS .2 league titles and 3 FA cups. Thats what it says and it is right. We know about the other 2 but in the last 14 years 5. Do keep up. 2001-2 and 2003-4 prem titles and 2002 2003 2005 FA Cups. So in YOUR quote emce is factually correct. That's pretty embarrassing for you.

Report abuse

Wenger has always won trophies, apart from the last eight years that is!

Report abuse

Lets hope wenger leaves or gets the sack then and you can come and replace paul scholes at united son :) lol wishful thinking

Report abuse

"he's only delivered 5 in 14 years" emce, Lincolnshire. - Would that be four FA Cups or three leagues? That's seven which averages out at once every couple of years and he's been at Arsenal for 16 years. Seriously ill-educated comment dude, very poor knowledge. That's pretty embarrassing.

Report abuse

James, Singapore ---- Please shut up. Just pipe down and enough of those silly, silly, empty-headed comments. Better without him, seriously, what on earth?...

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.