Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has apologized for creating the smoking controversy that dominated headlines heading into Sunday's match versus West Brom.
Wilshere admits his smoking "mistake" to Arsenal Player: “I made a mistake. Players make mistakes. I am not a smoker." #AFC
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 7, 2013
Asked if it is an issue he expects to come back, Wilshere replied: “No, its not. I am not a smoker so I think that will be my last one.”
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 7, 2013
Last week a spokesman for Wislhere said the 21-year-old was partaking in a prank. "Jack was with team-mates and friends. One dared Jack, who does not smoke, to momentarily hold the cigarette as part of a prank."
The explanation was flimsy at best.
Wilshere admits smoking. So what was the point of his agent's playground prank excuse wibble?
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) October 7, 2013
Wilshere owning up on Arsenal's website about smoking, but has dragged the story out by several days by only issuing a full response now
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) October 7, 2013