Arsenal under-18s coach Jack Wilshere has opened up about life after football.

Wilshere had to retire early due to injury issues, but was given a chance to earn his coaching badges with the Gunners.

He has credited academy manager and ex-teammate Per Mertesacker for helping him with the transition.

"He was really supportive and there for me, more as a friend than a boss," stated Wilshere to the Evening Standard.

"It's a lifestyle change, your whole life changes completely.

"When you are a player, it's the best job in the world. You turn up at 9am, you finish at 2pm, you come home. As a coach it's completely different."

"I have always been brought up with the 'Arsenal Way', which is to dominate the ball, try and create overloads across the pitch and kill teams by having the ball," added Wilshere on his coaching philosophy.

"That is really my football philosophy, but it's always evolving. You have to be able to adapt."