West Ham United news: Jack Wilshere ‘looking forward’ to playing with Mark Noble and suggests he could replace him as captain
The England international used to watch Noble at Upton Park as a teenager supporting West Ham
Jack Wilshere cannot wait to play alongside Mark Noble and harbours ambitions of replacing him one day as West Ham United captain.
The 26-year-old joined the Hammers from London rivals Arsenal on a free transfer earlier this summer after 17 years of service.
Despite being with the Gunners since the age of nine, Wilshere was in fact born and raised as a West Ham fan by his family – regularly watching Noble ply his trade at Upton Park.
And now, the two midfielders could be set to combine for new boss Manuel Pellegrini in the Hammers’ engine room – a prospect Wilshere is very keen on.
“Yeah it’s something I’ve thought about,” the England international admitted.
“He’s been great ever since I started training with the club, he welcomed me in and he’s West Ham through and through and through like you said.
“He’s seen everything over the last few years, he’s been there through the ups and downs so he’s definitely someone that can give me information about the fans, the way the club is run.
“But at the same time he’s got a new manager as well so I’m looking forward to playing with him.
“I’ve watched him a few times over the years – I think when I was about 12 or 13 I used to watch him when I was a West Ham fan. I used to go to Upton Park and watch him so I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
Wilshere’s passion and drive from midfield often saw him linked with the Gunners captaincy during his tenure at the Emirates.
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And while Unai Emery saw to it the England international will not fulfil that ambition in north London, the prospect of wearing the captain’s armband at the London Stadium after Noble is something the new kid on the block has considered.
He added: “I think Mark has got a few more years playing so he’s the captain, he’s the one everyone looks to – he’s West Ham through and through.
“When he’s done and he’s taught me everything he knows about the club then why not?”