Arsenal manager Unai Emery claims he has the “utmost respect” for Jack Wilshere’s ability and expects a warm welcome when he returns with West Ham on Saturday.
Wilshere, 26, spent 17 years with the Gunners, 10 with the first team. However, the England international couldn’t agree on a new deal with the Gunners before leaving as a free agent. “I spoke with him for 15 minutes here in Colney before he left,” said Emery on Wednesday. “The first thing for me is I have respect for his career here. And then, he chooses what the best was for him in his future. It’s for that, on Saturday, I know that here, the supporters like him and have this respect also. “I think there is a good reception for him here.” GettyImages Both sides will be searching for their first points of the season at the Emirates after difficult starts for Emery and new West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini. The Spaniard has been criticised for his style of play in the last two defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea. But the former Sevilla manager insists he will continue with the style and is desperate to get off the mark this weekend.