Jack Wilshere: 'I asked Paul Scholes about his criticism'

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed that he phoned Paul Scholes to ask about the criticism he had directed at him earlier this year.

During an appearance working as a television pundit in March, Scholes suggested that Wilshere had not improved in the past five years. The 22-year-old responded to the comments by confronting the former Manchester United midfielder after receiving his number from Gary Neville.

"He was having a go at Arsenal, and I was wondering if he was going to come for me. If it had come from a rubbish player I could say, 'What are you talking about?' but it came from Paul Scholes. For me, he's the best English midfielder of all time," Wilshere told reporters.

"I just wanted to hear what he thinks. I respect him so much. We had quite a good chat. He's entitled to his opinion. He explained it a bit better and told me what I should work on.

"He was right in a certain way. I can't keep saying I've been injured a lot. There comes a time when you stop being a kid and I think that's what he's referring to. This season I've improved a lot, scored a few more; got a few more assists."

Wilshere made his return from an ankle injury in the victory over Norwich City on Sunday.