Jack Wilshere: "Amazing to be back"

Jack Wilshere has admitted that it felt "amazing" to be back playing after making his return in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

The 20-year-old had missed 17 months with a succession of ankle and knee injuries, but managed to get through over an hour unscathed at the Emirates.

"It was amazing to be back - words cannot describe it. I was just running around smiling. It has been a long journey but it is great to be back," he said.

"It was great to get the first 70 minutes under my belt, especially in front of the Emirates crowd. They have been great.

"Last time I played it was with [Cesc] Fabregas and [Samir] Nasri - now it's with [Mikel] Arteta and [Santi] Cazorla who are great players too. It's like a new team and I'm like a new player."

Wilshere has made 71 first-team appearances for Arsenal since debuting in 2008.