nathan rich

21

[AJ @AJ__SR7]

Gonna miss you son 🕊️

Couldn’t be more happy that he won the league with us

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@afcstuff @TheAthleticFC Seen him doing laps around Fairlop power league during international breaks a few years ago. Assuming he lives around there

[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

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@ctt_carys Was my first Arsenal match

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

A force of nature.

Guimaraes is a Gunner ✍️

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Emirates Stadium goals, but the roar gets bigger 📣

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@DailyAFC @gunnerblog I’d sign him so he can rot in our reserves

[HandofArsenal @HandofArsenal]

🚨 EXCL : Arsenal Football Club have personal terms agreed in principle with Vinicius Junior. Roc Nation will go armed into negotiations with Real Madrid with a monstrous offer from the English Champions…….over to you Vinicius Junior. Story W/ @MrArsenicTM

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@nonewthing He’s 28 until he’s 29

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@YakzTweets Will be difficult for any nation to have 64 training bases. Probably only England, USA, France and Germany could do it. Don’t think these two need to co-host but boosts their chances significantly if together.

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@ClockEndH New Year’s Day loss vs City was the start

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

Energy. Instinct. End product.

Christos Tzolis is a Gunner ✍️

[steve holder @holds10]

When you think you have seen it all in non league 👵🏻👵🏻 2 old ladies pitch invading mid game on the way to bowls, looked more mobile than a few players 🤣🤣🤣 gotta love non league ⚽️👵🏻👵🏻

[Roberto @robert0wfc]

Realising Enzo Fernandez will be getting hounded with “you let your country down” at every ground he plays at next season 😍

[Billy Rice @dangerrice]

FIFA to investigate Argentina as they make another Falklands gesture by having no shots on target.

[ITV Football @itvfootball]

Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle amidst ugly scenes from some of the Argentina players 🔴

Nahuel Molina also appeared to throw a punch towards one of the celebrating Spain players 😬

[nathan rich @nathansrich]

@TouchlineX When Otamendi went down he held the wrong foot. Disgrace.

[England @England]

Our #ThreeLions’ best finish at a @FIFAWorldCup since 1966 🥉

[England @England]

The #ThreeLions' best-ever World Cup finish on foreign soil 👊

[England @England]

We are completely heartbroken that our dream ends here, but so proud of this group, our staff and you – our amazing fans.

Your support in North America and back home has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you.