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
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Al Hilal have reached an agreement with Pedro Neto on personal terms and are now pushing to strike a deal with Chelsea.
Chelsea are open to selling the winger for around €60M, with Al Hilal confident an agreement can be reached. Talks are ongoing. 🇸🇦
(Source: @SachaTavolieri)
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Al Hilal have reached an agreement with Pedro Neto on personal terms and are now pushing to strike a deal with Chelsea.
Chelsea are open to selling the winger for around €60M, with Al Hilal confident an agreement can be reached. Talks are ongoing. 🇸🇦
(Source: @SachaTavolieri)
💣🚨Thierry Henry Replies Mikel Obi For Calling Arsenal Fans Dumb and saying Arsenal was Humbled.
Humbled is not the word I would use.
John,
🗣️You said Arsenal fans had been humbled.
You said after one title in 22 years we suddenly believed we were “one of the big boys again.”
You said no, we are not.
You said there was never a chance Vinicius would leave Real Madrid for a club with zero Champions League titles.
You said he was simply using Arsenal.
And you finished by asking what the fans were smoking.
Allow me to respond with clarity.
🗣️Winning the Premier League after more than two decades is not delusion.
It is restoration.
It is proof that the standard is rising again.
You calling that “humbled” reveals more about your perspective than it does about the club.
🗣️You speak of Champions League trophies as if they are the only currency that matters.
Real Madrid have them in abundance. Arsenal do not yet.
But a club is not defined solely by the trophies it currently lacks.
It is defined by its direction, its ambition, and the players who still believe in its project.
🗣️Vinicius chose to remain at Real Madrid.
That is his right.
A player who has tasted consistent success often prefers the certainty of more.
That choice does not diminish Arsenal.
It simply confirms that some players prioritise what is already guaranteed over what is still being built.
🗣️You mentioned the messages in your DMs.
Fans reacting with emotion to a strong opinion is not unusual.
Turning that reaction into a punchline about what they were “smoking” is unnecessary.
It reduces a football discussion to mockery.
🗣️You were a disciplined, successful midfielder.
You won major trophies.
That earns respect.
It does not earn the right to dismiss an entire fanbase for daring to believe their club could attract one of the best players in the world.
🗣️Arsenal are champions of England.
The work continues.
Your comments will fade.
The project will not.
There is a difference between analysis and condescension.
This was the latter.
#AFC
📍🟡 “Kalau pergi interview kerja, kami orang pertama yang kena reject.”
Firdaus, Pengasas Pertubuhan Kebajikan Pesakit Ichthyosis Malaysia (PEKIM) menceritakan pengalamannya sebagai seorang penghidap iktiosis:
• Perbezaan antara iktiosis dan psoriasis
• Diskriminasi yang dihadapi daripada masyarakat
• Kos yang perlu ditanggung
• Harapan untuk pengidap lain
Video penuh ⬇️
LELAKI INDIA MABUK LANGGAR MELAYU LAGI 😡🖕
Puak ni mmg haram jadah taik babi betul. When will they educate their own species not to drink and drive?
#PariahWatch
INDIA MABUK LANGGAR MELAYU SAMPAI MENINGGAL LAGI 😡🖕
Kesiannya anak arwah masih umur 3 tahun…. Semoga keluarga arwah tabah 😢
When will the indian community educate their own not to drink and drive? Bab komen pasal Melayu laju je!
#PariahWatch