Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere insists he is focused on a return to playing.

Wilshere has been a free agent since his exit from Bournemouth at the end of last season.

The 29-year-old has been helping out Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker over the past month, but he has played down any suggestion he is ready to retire.

"At the moment I am doing my coaching badges and the club is helping me with them and I am helping some of the Academy kids out as well," Wilshere told Sky Sports News.

"It is certainly something I enjoy and maybe something to look at in the future but for now I still want to play.

"I feel like I still have a lot to give and something to prove which is why I don't want to finish playing now and start a coaching career just yet."