Englishman was out celebrating Napoli win with friends on Tuesday when snapped by the Sun.
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A representative for Arsenal midfield player Jack Wilshere has denied that the Gunners star smokes after the player was pictured with a cigarette in his hand in midweek, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The England international was out with friends and team-mates celebrating the north London club’s eye-catching 2-0 win over Serie A high-flyers Napoli at the Emirates in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday night.
The 21-year-old playmaker was reportedly given permission by Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger to go out after the victory over Rafa Benitez’s side, before being snapped by the Sun holding a cigarette in his hand.
However, according to a representative of the Englishman’s, Wilshere was simply taking part in a prank with friends, who dared the player to hold the cigarette for a joke, while it was also stressed that the midfield creator does not smoke at all and condones the practice.
“Jack was with team-mates and friends. One dared Jack, who does not smoke, to momentarily hold the cigarette as part of a prank,” said a spokesman for Wilshere on Friday.
“Jack absolutely didn’t smoke the cigarette, and nor does he condone smoking. Jack is utterly committed to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
“In no way is this picture an accurate reflection of his attitude towards smoking.”
Wilshere was named on Thursday in England manager Roy Hodgson’s 23-man Three Lions squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup qualifying double headers against Montenegro and Poland, both internationals which are being staged at Wembley Stadium later this month.