I inspired Bukayo Saka to become an Arsenal star - now I've left to manage elsewhere

Bukayo Saka's rise to become one of Arsenal 's most important players has been meteoric. The 23-year-old signed his first professional deal with the club in 2018, at the age of 17 and has had two upgrades since then.

Saka penned a new deal in 2020, before tying himself to the north London club once more in 2023 on much-improved terms. He is one of their own and as long as Arsenal continue their upward trajectory, Saka will continue to play a huge role.

He often has the weight of the first team on his shoulders, such is his quality and importance to the team. But where did the inspiration to write his name into Arsenal folklore come from?

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When signing a new contract in 2020, Saka revealed all. The Hale End graduate saw what had happened with a previous Hale Ender and wanted to emulate his hero.

Speaking back then, Saka said: "When I was at Hale End I just remember always seeing a picture of Jack Wilshere on the walls when I walked in. Every single day.

"I just used to tell myself that it's possible to get into the first team, that there's a pathway and now I'm in this position and that I've got to the level he got to when he was my age, I'm really proud of myself and really happy."

Wilshere spent ten years at Arsenal, rising up through the youth ranks just like Saka has done. He even went on to manage the Gunners' U18 side, taking them to the FA Youth Cup final in his first season in charge.

His connection with Arsenal will go on forever, but Wilshere is no longer part of the setup at the Emirates Stadium. Last month, the 32-year-old ended a long association with the club by becoming Norwich City's first team manager - his first senior management role.

Speaking after signing a deal with the Canaries, Wilshere said: "Things can change quick and I haven’t had the chance to thank everyone at Arsenal's academy for the last two years. Everyone knows that Arsenal is my club and leaving is never easy, especially when you care so much about the club, the staff and most importantly the players.

"When I retired from football I took the step into coaching, Arsenal gave me the opportunity to take my first role as a head coach, I learnt so much! But I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the staff.

"We shared some tough moments but also some amazing memories that gave me feelings I had never experienced in the game. Arsenal remains in my blood and I will be watching every game as a fan.

"I hope we see some more young players from the academy taking that step to the first team! Adam Birchall, good luck my friend. Until we meet again."