Carl Jenkinson

Professional footballer for Newcastle Jets Instagram: carljenkinson

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Thank you to everyone who played a part in my journey, from my Charlton days as a kid through to my last time playing football at Bromley. From the age of 8 football has been my life, it’s given me a lot, and I have also given it a lot back. In fact I’ve given it everything.

It’s for that reason that I can write this looking back over my career with no regrets. Do I wish certain things went better? Without a doubt. A lot of things. I once scored an own goal from 30 yards out. I certainly wouldn’t mind deleting that from history. But were these bad or difficult moments ever because of a lack of effort? No. Like I said, I gave football everything. Everyday.

And I guess I’m writing this because I can see that’s getting lost a bit these days. I don’t know if it’s social media painting a certain picture of what a footballer looks like, but I want to be clear, behind the scenes these top players train like their life depends on it. Alexis Sánchez, wow. Every training session he trained like it was his last. The ones that don’t, they fall by the way side eventually. Even when they’re really, really good. I’ve seen it happen to too many young pros and scholars, trying to make a name in the game.

Apply yourself everyday, listen to your coaches and learn from the players who have already been where you want to get to. Because if you don’t make it, and it’s because you got carried away with yourself, it’ll be a heavy burden to carry later in life.

I suffered a lot with confidence throughout my career, which I found strange because my Dad always backs himself to the hilt. I saw loads of people, to try and unlock something within me and find that inner belief. “Take the chains off” Arsène Wenger would say to me. “I’m trying boss”, I would say to myself. But I’m certain it was that same insecurity that gave me the drive I have, that would make me run harder and train harder than everyone else. Ultimately that’s what gave me a career at the top level, because physically I was a machine and I took a lot of pride in that. Was the way I am a blessing or a curse for me? A bit of both I think. But you can only play the cards you’re dealt and try and make the best of them.

I’m writing all this because I hope some young players might read it. You guys have so much confidence these days! I wish I could nick some of it and take it back in time, but confidence without application and having that fire in your belly to improve everyday won’t get you far. I see less young players doing extras, working on their craft, doing extra running after training. Trust me, you won’t have a career if you neglect this aspect.

Try and find the sweetspot. That’s why I love guys like Bukayo Saka. He’s got that swagger, but you only need to listen to him in a post match interview to see he’s never lost his humility. Find the sweetspot.

Hopefully the above has some value to someone out there. I didn’t want to write the generic retirement ‘thanks for everything’ post as it seemed like a missed opportunity. Although of course I am very grateful to my friends, family, coaches, managers and of course the fans who have been with me on my journey. I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for me next.

Cheers,
Jenko

[gunnerblog @gunnerblog]

I haven’t enjoyed doing many interviews as much as this one.

Here’s @carljenkinson on loving Arsenal, losing Arsenal, and learning to love them again.

@TheAthleticFC 🔴⚪️ #AFC
(£1 p/month sale now on) ⬇️

https://t.co/YoWlfVLOev

[Danny Ryan @DannyRyan94]

Some great insight from @carljenkinson about what it's like playing as an inverted full-back 💪

And it's safe to say he's loving life Down Under with @NewcastleJetsFC 🇦🇺

My piece for @livescore 👇

https://t.co/7BHNmYrjyo

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Hi all! Please get behind the team at North London United, a fantastic group of young people who are doing 21 laps around the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 9th July to raise money for future projects!
If you wish to donate anything here is the link below!
https://t.co/wgMikxHdGQ

[NEWCASTLE JETS FC ✈️ @NewcastleJetsFC]

𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒍 𝑱𝒆𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏

#BondedByGold

[Melbourne City FC @MelbourneCity]

Ahead of his first #MelbDerby, @carljenkinson caught up with City Terrace leader Jimmy to learn a little more about the fixture!

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 ⤵️

#CmonCity | 🎟 https://t.co/VLKZ51OrzQ

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Cheers guys 👊🏼

[Melbourne City FC @MelbourneCity]

A City debut marked with a goal!

Congratulations, @carljenkinson 👏🏼👏🏼

#CmonCity | #CCMvMCY

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Delighted to have joined @melbournecity 🔵⚪️🔴
Let's get to work 💪🏼

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

I’m delighted to be joining Nottingham Forest, a huge club with a rich history. I spoke with the manager who has big plans for the future, and following our conversation I knew this was the right move for me. This… https://t.co/ZblEY3ReYe

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

This is a message that is hard to write so I’m going to keep it short. I’m leaving Arsenal in pursuit of a new challenge and a fresh start, and ultimately to play regular football again. I can’t really put into… https://t.co/brfptpLIhk

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Proud to be involved in Arsenal’s World Down’s Syndrome Day campaign. I had a great day with Ben and Emanuel when I met them for the first time not so long ago. Keep an eye on the clubs… https://t.co/TNB5xVLr9r

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Superb afternoon in the sun @churchwoodfish 🎣👌🏼☀️ https://t.co/S4RGo1Id6w

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

The simple things 👌🏼 https://t.co/EjVj1ZppuN

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Great game this evening at the Emirates. Thanks to the fans who came! Nice to nick a goal at the… https://t.co/yqKq4H77yd

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

25 today 🙈 How time flies!!! Thank you all for the Birthday wishes! Here's to hoping I'm lucky… https://t.co/Do6Et7EkJ8

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Junior Gunners Christmas Party, hope you all had a great time!!! 🎅🏼 https://t.co/U3I3hAVw7D

[The Arsenal Foundation @AFC_Foundation]

It's our charity matchday on Saturday, so @carljenkinson has put on his gardening gloves to see how @AFC_Foundation makes a difference..

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

It's all Arsenal. Me and @HectorBellerin fight it out in the quarters of the @NBAUK #NBA2K17 tournament! #WePlayNBA2K17 https://t.co/3kJeuoCNk2

[NBA UK @NBAUK]

.@carljenkinson & @HectorBellerin battle it out to progress to the semis of our #NBA2K17 Celebrity Gaming Tournament! #WePlayNBA2K17 @NBA2K

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

Reading up on this story has truly saddened me. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone… https://t.co/ZIJb42Exab

[Carl Jenkinson @carljenkinson]

adidasuk #ZNE #FindFocus https://t.co/yAO8yOZ2jt