JACK Wilshere revealed how his mental health suffered as a result of being without a club last year, adding how important a role his family played in helping him through the tough time.

After his contract at West Ham United was mutually terminated in October, Wilshere found himself out of professional football for the first time in his 12-year career.

That meant sessions alone keeping fit at a local park before putting a call in to then-manager Jason Tindall just before Christmas, asking if he could come and train with Cherries.

A few weeks later and Wilshere had penned a short-term deal with the club for his second spell at Vitality Stadium, having previously spent time on loan during the 2016-17 campaign.

Asked how he looked after his mental health during his time out of the game, Wilshere said: "It was tough. What helped me to be honest was probably my wife and my kids, having them around me. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have kids or a wife.

"Sometimes being at home and even just picking the phone up to a friend or my mum and dad, it lifted me and if anything as well it made me remember that I do have people who love me and want me to do well and support me in anything I do. I found that really comforting."

Since signing a deal at Cherries, Wilshere has featured four times.

The 29-year-old came off the bench in games against Derby County and Reading as well as starting against Sheffield Wednesday and Crawley Town, scoring against the latter.

Asked if he became emotional when he ended his wait to get back involved in football again by joining Cherries, Wilshere said: "It all happened so quick.

"I know my wife and my kids were really emotional, either that or they were delighted to get me out the house!

"But I haven't really had time to sit down and think about it.

"I'm really, really happy.

"I feel happy again, there's a smile on my face and sometimes you take that for granted and I definitely won't this time.

"I'm going to enjoy my time here and all the time that I have left in football and just try and make the most of it."

Wilshere this week took to social media to show his gratitude to Tindall, who was sacked by Cherries following last-gasp defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

The midfielder was Tindall's first permanent signing as Cherries boss when he arrived as a free agent last month.

The post via Wilshere's official Instagram to his 1.9million followers read: "All the best gaffer. Thanks for everything, from the year I spent on loan to showing faith and trust in me when I needed it most."