Jack Wilshere warned by Arsenal FC over smoking

Arsene Wenger has criticised Jack Wilshere after the Arsenal midfielder was pictured smoking.

Wilshere was snapped by a national newspaper with a cigarette outside a London nightclub following Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League.

“I disagree completely with that behaviour,” Wenger said on Friday.

“I need to have a chat with him about that. (What I say) I will leave between him and me.

“When you’re a football player you’re an example, and you don’t do what damages your health.

“You can damage your health at home – you can smoke or drink at home – and nobody sees it, but when you’re out socially, you damage your reputation as well.”

Wenger also insisted Wilshere is still an important player for the club.

Follow @GoalUpdates for Premier League goal updates this weekend! #EPL #PremierLeague

The England international has made a slow start to the season after a long injury lay-off, and has seen Aaron Ramsey and new signing Mesut Ozil impress in midfield in the early stages of the 2013-14 campaign.

But Wenger added: “Wilshere is a very important player here, my future plans have always been built around Jack.”