Jack Wilshere stood alongside four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah to announce a new challenge.
The former midfielder currently works at his boyhood club Arsenal as the head coach of their U18s side.
Wilshere was unable to reach his full potential during his playing career at the Gunners due to an unfortunate series of injury issues.
However, the 32-year-old is embarking a new quest and took to his Instagram account to reveal the news after teasing it on talkSPORT Drive the day before.
In a video on Friday, Wilshere announced that he will be running in the next London Marathon, which takes place in April 2025.
“Okay guys, I have an announcement,” he said at Arsenal’s training ground in London Colney. “Not like me to do this type of thing but it’s important.
“I am doing the London Marathon 2025 for the British Heart Foundation. Don’t worry though, because I’ve called in the expert to help me.”
Former long-distance runner Farah, who won Olympic gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m, then stepped into the video.
“Any tips Mo?” Wilshere asked the Arsenal fan, who said: “Yes Jack, we’ve got this. It’s all for charity and I believe he’s putting the work in, you can enjoy it and the result will be amazing.”
“What a legend,” Wilshere responded as Farah cheered him on with a ‘Come on Jack!’, before he added: “Yes guys. So I’m doing it for the British Heart Foundation.
“I want to try and make a difference, obviously with what we went through as a family but what other families are going through as well if I can make a difference.
“It’s going to be tough, before the banter starts about the ‘glass ankles’, my missus has beat you to it. I’m going to struggle, I know, but I’m doing to do it. I need your help though guys.”
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In the caption of his video, Wilshere referenced why he will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation charity.
“As some of you may know, our little girl Siena went through open heart surgery earlier this year and so the charity means a huge amount to our family,” he explained.
“My wife Andriani and I are proud to be ambassadors for such an amazing charity and we hope to help other families who have been affected in the same way we were.”
Over 54,000 people ran the London Marathon earlier this year, with a similar number surely set to do so in 2025.
Wilshere will be one of those completing the 26.2 mile course around the English capital to help raise money for an incredible cause.
talkSPORT co-host Andy Goldstein was quick to wish Wilshere good luck, as he said in the comments: “Go on son.”
Ex-Arsenal and England teammate Theo Walcott messaged: “Love this.”
Meanwhile former Gunners man and current Birmingham star Krystian Bielik said: “What a guy! All the best!”
