Nigel Winterburn would've loved to see Jack Wilshere make a "romantic" return to Arsenal.
But the Gunners legend has admitted the English midfielder made the right decision to sign with Danish side Aarhus earlier this week.
Wilshere became synonymous with Arsenal after breaking into the first-team from the academy as a teenager.
But injuries derailed Wilshere's career, and after spells at West Ham United and Bournemouth, the 30-year-old found himself unemployed last summer.
Mikel Arteta offered a lifeline to his former teammate last October, allowing Wilshere - who has 34 caps for England - to train at London Colney.
No deal was forthcoming from Arsenal and Wilshere couldn't wait for any longer, eventually signing a short-term deal in Denmark, a move which Winterburn fully supports.
Speaking to TribalFootball.com, on behalf of FreeSuperTips, Winterburn said: "When I've listened to the Arsenal supporters and from working at the games, I always get asked what's happening with Jack?
"Mikel Arteta's stance was always clear that he was there training and helping some of the younger players as well as working towards his badges.
"A supporter asked me whether it would be a good thing if Jack resigned for Arsenal and my comments have always been the same.
Wilshere after his second FA Cup triumph with Arsenal
"From a romantic point of view, we always want to see these players resign for you.
"See them come off the bench and score a winning goal in a game, but for Jack's career, he needed to get back to playing regular football wherever it may be.
"He's got that offer, so hopefully from now until the end of the season, he'll get that game time and put in the level of performances people still think he's capable of.
"That may then lead to somebody taking a chance on him in this country next season, if that's what he wants to do.
"The only thing that is clear in my mind is that he's lost so much game time in his career because of injury, so now he just needs to play.
"From the romantic side you'd say he can come in and come off the bench occasionally, but for him and his career, it wasn't the right thing.
Wilshere as a teenager in the League Cup
"I'm pleased he's signed for a club, and I wish him all the best because when you spend that amount of time injured, mentally it becomes testing.
"He has unbelievable ability and to keep coming back is something I admire him for.
"I just hope he gets all the game time he needs until the end of the season."
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