Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere proves what a difference a year makes with birthday Instagram post: 'I never stopped dreaming and believing'
- Arsenal's in-form midfielder Jack Wilshere has celebrated his 26th birthday
- He posted an emotional message on his personal Instagram account to fans
- He said: '2017 taught me not to give up. I never stopped dreaming and believing'
Jack Wilshere has marked the turning of the year with a heart-felt Instagram post reflecting on a tumultuous last 12 months.
The midfielder, who celebrated his 26th birthday on New Year's Day, has been in impressive form as he savours the simple joy of playing football without being hampered by an injury or two.
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered with injuries over the years but never gave up
The midfielder has had his fair share of injuries but he says he always believed in himself
Yet rewind exactly 12 months ago and Wilshere was fearful for his future with the north London giants.
Wilshere had been farmed out on a season-long loan to Eddie Howe's Bournemouth on the south coast.
The memory of his impressive performance in a never-to-be-forgotten 2-1 win against the all-conquering Barcelona side of Pep Guardiola at the Emirates back in February 2011 was just that - a memory.
Wilshere has earned praise for the quality of his performances since his return to Arsenal
On January 3, 2017, his parent club travelled to the Vitality Stadium to take on Howe's Cherries - with Wilshere's name, as a loan player, absent from the team-sheet.
The match ended in a faintly ridiculous 3-3 draw with the Gunners showing their best and worst in 90 minutes. They conceded three goals to Bournemouth before rescuing a point in injury time.
What went through Wilshere's mind that night? Fast forward to January 1, 2018 and it was revealed through his Instagram post on New Year Day.
Wilshere has been reflecting on the past year and posted a message on social media
He wrote: 'So this time about a year ago, I was a Bournemouth player sitting in the stands at the Vitality watching AFCB v AFC wondering if I would ever play for Arsenal in the Premier League ever again.
'After another set back, I never stopped dreaming and believing. If 2017 has taught me anything it would be never give up. Love playing for this club and long may it continue. Looking forward to 2018.'
As an indication of his contract situation at Arsenal - where he has fewer than six months to go on his present deal - it could be a clue that he may be nearing a new agreement with the club.
The Hitchin-reared Wilshere posted an emotional message on his personal Instagram account
His Instagram post is also a gauge of his confidence, because, after being handed a league start against West Ham at the London Stadium on December 13, he has enjoyed his best run of successive league games for four years.
With champions Chelsea set to visit the Emirates on Wednesday - ahead of a two-legged semi-final against the Blues later this month - those who once wrote Wilshere off now hail his performances.
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