Aaron Ramsey has told the Islington Gazette he’d like to thank Jack Wilshere for his kind words about the Welsh star in a series of exclusives with Arsenal reporter Layth Yousif.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been discussing various topics with Layth Yousif during his exclusive interview.

The talented 26-year-old invited Layth to his house for an in-depth discussion on a wide-ranging number of issues as the star prepares to launch his first soccer school at the end of this month.

Wilshere, a former Gunners midfielder, is still held in high esteem by fans after spending 17 years in North London, and believes the club should be doing all they can to keep the former Cardiff City player.

Ramsey looks certain to leave Arsenal after his agency appeared to confirm his impending departure in a series of deleted tweets earlier this month.

The Avid Sports and Entertainment Group which represents Ramsey said the Welsh midfielder wanted to remain at Arsenal - but the Gunners withdrew the offer of a contract extension.

Ramsey had looked set to put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at the Emirates after months of contract talks before it was revealed Arsenal changed their mind.

However, Wilshere - who is now at West Ham following his departure from Arsenal after new head coach Unai Emery told him he could not guarantee a first team berth after a special summer summit - has been adamant Arsenal should make him a future captain and build their side around three-time FA Cup winner instead of releasing him.

The 27-year-old Welshman captained Arsenal to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon after a 78th minute winners by Danny Welbeck sealed Emery’s side’s 11th win on the bounce.

The Europa League victory in the Portuguese capital on Thursday evening was the Gunners first win in six attempts in the Iberian county and means the North Londoners only need a point from their final three games to qualify for the knock-out stages.

Ramsey told Arsenal reporter Layth – following his series of Wilshere exclusives that has had the football world talking, with more to come – after the match at the Estadio Jose Alvalado: “Thank Jack Wilshere for me.

“He is a quality player and I’ve grown up through the Arsenal ranks with him and our times were limited together on the pitch due to injuries and things like that.

“I wish I had the chance to play more often with him but that didn’t happen. I thank him for those comments.”

The talented Ramsey also told the Gazette he would never join Spurs if he left Arsenal following the club withdrawing their contract offer.

The Jack Wilshere Soccer School runs in Letchworth on Tuesday, October 30, Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1. Courses are available for boys and girls aged four to 15. Everyone attending will be given a trophy and a signed photograph of Jack.

Across the three days youngsters will also have the chance to meet Jack and receive expert coaching from him and coaches provided by soccer school associate Paul Deller and his ‘Grassroots Soccer’ organisation.

To book visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jack-wilshere-and-grassroots-soccer-school-tickets-48987092713

Follow Layth on Twitter @laythy29