x

There are no fairy-tale endings.

[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

[Mohamed A. El-Erian @elerianm]

The talented Bloomberg TV anchor, Jonathan Ferro, put it perfectly a couple of weeks ago. Responding to a FIFA controversy, he noted:
“Football is the ‘beautiful game’ despite, and not because of, its governing body.”
With widespread global dismay over what so many perceive as blatant officiating bias and consistent preferential treatment for Argentina at the World Cup, there is a risk that this already imperfect setup could slip into something worse—undermining at its highest level the beautiful game that billions love around the world.
#worldcup @FIFAWorldCup

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

We all deserve this ❤️

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Bottle this feeling 🍾

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

A guard of honour, fit for kings.

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

A coronation at the Palace 👑

[Charles Watts @charles_watts]

Arteta on winning the title on Tuesday night:

“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I went home, I went outside, I started to do some bbq. I couldn’t watch it (the match). I could hear noises from inside, then my son opened the door, ran towards me. He was crying and he said ‘we are champions daddy.’”

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

It's N̶O̶T̶ done.

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

This time last night 😍

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

This thing that binds us ❤️

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Can you spot an Arsenal legend? 👀

@IanWright0 ❤️

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

These streets are our own ❤️‍🔥

[Ian Wright @IanWright0]

CAN WE CELEBRATE NOW????❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

It has been quite an experience to follow @Arsenal Football Club's epic adventure, from times of struggle and crushing setback, to successive seasons of recovery and resurgence on their glorious path to the summit of the English Premier League.

In this time, we have witnessed the power of hope, resilience, focus and relentless hardwork in action, and watched a team of dedicated professional do battle against formidable adversaries, matchday after matchday.

Tonight, the great reward is won. The team is victorious. It's faith and dedication is vindicated. And our commitment to succeed through work, discipline and teamwork is affirmed.

Congratulations to the Gunners

[Ebere @EbereEze10]

I swear imma make It and when I do, they're gunna show this tweet lol

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

A legacy written.

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

22 long years for the Arsenal.

But finally, we’re back where we belong.

Champions!

[BBC Sport @BBCSport]

ARSENAL ARE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 🏆

[WhatsApp @WhatsApp]

we love you @arsenal, we do 🏆

[Premier League @premierleague]

The wait is over.

@Arsenal are Premier League champions.