Jack Wilshere: 'Arsene Wenger key to signing new contract'

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has declared that Arsene Wenger was a huge factor in his new long-term contract with the Gunners.

Wilshere penned a deal committing his future to Arsenal last week alongside England international colleagues Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson.

The 20-year-old insisted that he owes Wenger a huge debt of thanks for helping him make a successful return from a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

He told the club's official magazine: "He's always been there for me. He showed faith in me when I was 18, and he stuck with me throughout the whole time I was injured.

"He knew the only thing that would get me better is games, and he stood by me. I need to thank him for that, and yes, he was a big part of why I signed.

"This is my home, my family are 20 minutes away from the training ground, and my friends are all around here. I was brought up at this club and it was an easy decision to extend my contract. We just needed to get a few things right, which didn't take long and I'm really happy that my future is sorted."

Wenger's side are currently on a run of three successive Premier League wins, taking them up to fourth in the table.