'Spanish technique, with an English heart'.
The phrase uttered by Arsene Wenger in 2011, just three years into Jack Wilshere's dazzling teenage career, aptly demonstrated the hype surrounding the former England international.
Wilshere, 30, called an end to his troubled, injury-ridden career on Friday after enduring a turbulent 15-year journey from future star to Premier League castaway.
A decade ago, reigning World Cup and European champions Spain were regarded as the best in international football, thanks to their revolutionary and attractive brand of tiki-taka passing.
For the midfielder to be judged in Spain's company as a teenager spoke volumes, especially amongst the hopeful or disaffected England fans who were waiting impatiently for a new Three Lions superstar to arrive.