RETURNING Jack Wilshere says a "tough" three months without playing football made him realise "how much I love the game" as he embarks on his second spell at Cherries.

The 29-year-old had not had a break from football for close to 20 years, having risen all the way through the academy ranks at Arsenal, before terminating his contract with West Ham United last October.

But after three months in the wilderness, training alone to maintain his fitness, the 34-time England international is now back after signing with Cherries until the end of the season.

He made his first appearance back at the club as a substitute during Tuesday night's defeat at Derby County, Wilshere's debut appearance in the Championship having previously only played in the top flight.

Asked what it was like going from training with a Premier League club one day to having to do fitness work on his own the next, Wilshere said: "It was tough. At the start it was kind of like a relief because I just wanted to get out and play some games.

"If I am honest, I probably didn’t think it would take as long as it did (to find a club). When you are at home and training in the park and going through lockdown, sometimes your mind can play games with you and you start thinking about different things.

"I am not going to lie, it was tough, but now I am here and I think that inspires me even more and makes me even hungrier because I know what I came through and now I'm here and it’s down to me to keep myself here."

He added: "It took a little bit longer than I thought it would, but I am so excited to be here for the rest of the season.

"It’s a different challenge for me, I have never played in the Championship and I have never tried to get back into the Premier League, so I am actually really excited about it.

"It made me realise, my time away, how much I miss it and how much I love the game, so it is really good to be back.

"When you have been doing it for 10 years every day, sometimes you can take it for granted. Sometimes you'll wake up and struggle and not really want to go in, but it made me realise how much I actually do love it and how much I missed being around the lads and being in that environment where there is pressure and you have to challenge yourself.

"It was difficult, but now I am back and really excited."

Wilshere has enjoyed a glittering career.

As well as winning back-to-back FA Cups during his time at Arsenal, where he made 197 senior appearances, the midfielder also featured for his country at a World Cup and European Championship.

But after a difficult spell at West Ham, Wilshere's cameo at Pride Park on Tuesday was just his fourth game since October 2019.

Asked if he remains confident is his abilities to make the kind of impact on games he did during his early Arsenal days, Wilshere insisted: "The most important thing for a footballer is that you believe in yourself, that you’re confident in your ability, you’re confident in your desire and willingness to deliver when it comes to the big moments.

"And I’ve never, ever doubted myself as a player. I’ve played in big games and always thought that I could hold my own, if not be the better player. And I still feel that way.

"I still feel like I’ve got something to give in this game. The next four or five months are going to be in the Championship, and I’m just trying to be the best I can individually, which is going to help my team in trying to reach our goal at the end of the season."