Jack Wilshere has declared he is “back” - and now he wants a new Arsenal contract and a return to the England squad.

The Gunners midfielder made only his second start of the season in the Europa League victory against BATE Borisov.

And injury-jinxed Wilshere, who suffered a crack to his fibula on loan at Bournemouth last season, ran the midfield in the 4-2 win over the Belarus champions in a vintage performance.

“I definitely feel I am back,” said Wilshere, 25. “People say it’s a long road but it was four months and I have had longer than that before. I feel good.

Wilshere drives forward with the ball (
Image:
Getty Images)

"People sometimes forget things in football. Last season I had a full season. Whether people think I did well or not I had a full season, and only picked up an impact injury at the end of the season.

"That was unfortunate timing but throughout my rehab it went well. I felt good coming back to Arsenal and into training and the boss has been good. He has been speaking to me, been patient and I feel good.”

Wilshere is now in the final year of his contract but unlike Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, he wants to remain at the Emirates.

“Do I see myself staying? Of course I do,” he said. “I have always been at Arsenal, I love this club. They have been good to me over the years, I have a great relationship with the boss. He has played me since I was 17. He has put his trust in me since then. We have a great understanding and of course I want to stay.

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“It is not the right time for me or the club to discuss anything. I am back training, it has been a while, and I am enjoying it. I enjoy working with these top players again.

"I was sat in the hotel last night thinking and I couldn’t remember the last time I played a European away game for Arsenal. It was maybe three years ago. I am enjoying it. I am fit and healthy and getting back to my best and when the times comes to sit down and talk or not we will see.

“You are always playing for your future but at the moment I am happy to be back, to feel part of the squad. It has been a while, you forget.

Wilshere in training with the Three Lions (
Image:
Michael Regan - The FA)

"I am doing everything I can to stay fit, training well, we will see. I am not looking too far ahead. We have another game Sunday, more League Cup and Europa League so I am happy.”

Wilshere won the last of his 34 caps as a sub against Iceland at Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson.

Gareth Southgate named his latest squad on Thursday and Wilshere admitted: “I haven’t even seen it. I am getting back to full fitness and of course I want to be part of that. I have only played two 90s in four or five months. When I am fit and playing in the PL we will see.”

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