Wilshere counters smoking allegations by tweeting pics of 'Zidane puffing on cigarette'

Arsenal player Jack Wilshere has reportedly defended himself following his smoking pictures by tweeting a picture of World Cup-winning midfielder Zinedine Zidane puffing on a cigarette.

The England midfielder was photographed smoking a cigarette on a night out and has been publicly criticised by manager Arsene Wenger.

According to the Mirror, Wilshere launched a counter-offensive against his smoking allegations by tweeting pictures of Zidane smoking, although he claimed that he himself does not smoke and was only holding the cigarette as part of a prank.

However, Wenger insisted that Wilshere's place in the team is not at risk despite the incident, saying that he is an important player for the club, adding that all of his plans for the future at the club have always been built with and around Wilshere.