Operator Paddy Power, which is known for its tongue-in-cheek marketing campaigns, has released a spoof video starring Wilshere, who is set on reminding the world that he is yet to retire, despite failing to find a club for the current season.
The video, released through Paddy Power’s social media channels, pokes fun at several of the stereotypes surrounding retired players, suggesting that he make an appearance on ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.’
Despite those in the video suggesting his career is over, Wilshere ends the fun video with: “Jack Wilshere. Fit, ready and available for offers.” In a sly dig at Tottenham Hotspur FC, he makes it clear he’ll play for anyone apart from his former club’s historic rival.
A spokesman for Paddy Power commented: “Jack Wilshere hasn’t actually retired from football yet – who knew?! He’s still a top professional, though, so we wanted to do our bit to help him get back in the game. But being pretty good at football just won’t cut it anymore – you have to excel in other areas, such as having millions of Instagram followers, or filming yourself eating breakfast for your TikTok channel.”
Wilshere has played 274 games across a 13-year, injury-plagued career, which has seen him play for West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Bolton Wanderers, in addition to his boyhood club Arsenal.
Paddy Power is no stranger to funny, or sometimes controversial, marketing campaigns. Jose Mourinho, a top football manager, has featured in adverts for Paddy Power Games since 2020, while the brand has crafted spoof videos featuring matchday stewards and football coach drivers in the past.
