I wish we played longer — Arsenal icon Wilshere tells Mikel Obi biggest football regret
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere recently shared his deepest regret from his playing career at the North London club during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel.
Wilshere, who spent a decade with Arsenal’s senior team, lamented not having more time on the pitch alongside ex-teammate Cesc Fàbregas, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011.
Wilshere opens up on biggest Arsenal regret
“I always say it is one of my biggest regrets. I trained with him a lot, from 16 to probably 20, but I broke into the team around 18 or 19,” Wilshere said.
“I played with him for that year, and then he left for Barcelona. It is one of my biggest regrets that I did not play with him for longer because he understood the game.”
👊🏿 JACK THE LAD@mikel_john_obi 🔵 enjoyed many an on-field battle with @JackWilshere 🔴 during their playing days.
— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) July 17, 2025
Turns out they share a lot in common off the pitch…
📺 New episode: https://t.co/4hAI310GbD pic.twitter.com/pdLtwpnDE0
Wilshere, who briefly served as interim manager at Norwich City last season, highlighted Fàbregas’ exceptional football intelligence, underscoring the impact the Spanish midfielder had during their short time together at Arsenal.
Fabregas left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2011, but returned to help Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea lift the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2015