Wilshere joins West Ham after ending 17-year Arsenal career

West Ham announced that former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has joined the club on a three-year contract.

Wilshere confirmed last month that his 17-year association with Arsenal would end once his contract expired at the end of June. The decision was made after a meeting with new Gunners boss Unai Emery, who gave the 26-year-old "little choice" but to leave after failing to ensure he would play a prominent role this season in north London.

After signing a contract that will keep him at London Stadium until 2021, Wilshere will travel to Switzerland to link up with his new teammates and manager, Manuel Pellegrini, for pre-season training.

"It feels good, it feels special. Many people know that I’ve had a special bond with this club growing up," Wilshere, who grew up supporting West Ham, said, according to the club's announcement.

"People will have seen the picture of me in a West Ham shirt and I’ve got good memories of my childhood supporting West Ham, watching them at Upton Park. It feels good and of course my family and a few of my friends are West Ham fans so everyone’s buzzing."

Wilshere revealed last month that he was willing to travel abroad "if the right opportunity" presented itself, but a move to West Ham peaked his interest. He admitted that an opportunity to work with Pellegrini attracted him to make the move to east London.

"I think it was a number of things," he said, "the manager being one and the way he wants to play and where he sees me playing.

"The fans, of course – everyone knows how big West Ham’s fanbase is – and especially in this new stadium. Not many clubs could fill it week in, week out, and West Ham does.

"I want to be playing here in front of the Hammers, and my bond I’ve had with the club over my childhood will make it even more special."