Football is not supposed to be that difficult but Martinelli will be busy doing this on the wings until all the opposition players cover all the space ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ
Tzolis welcome ๐ค
Before the Premier League season starts, I want to categorically state that I hate Chelsea with all my heart, and I wish them nothing but misery this season
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, itโs given me a lot, and I have also given it a lot back. In fact Iโve given it everything.
Itโs 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 wouldnโt 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 Iโm writing this because I can see thatโs getting lost a bit these days. I donโt know if itโs 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 Sรกnchez, wow. Every training session he trained like it was his last. The ones that donโt, they fall by the way side eventually. Even when theyโre really, really good. Iโve 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 donโt make it, and itโs because you got carried away with yourself, itโll 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. โTake the chains offโ Arsรจne Wenger would say to me. โIโm trying bossโ, I would say to myself. But Iโm 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 thatโs 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 youโre dealt and try and make the best of them.
Iโm 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 wonโt get you far. I see less young players doing extras, working on their craft, doing extra running after training. Trust me, you wonโt have a career if you neglect this aspect.
Try and find the sweetspot. Thatโs why I love guys like Bukayo Saka. Heโs got that swagger, but you only need to listen to him in a post match interview to see heโs never lost his humility. Find the sweetspot.
Hopefully the above has some value to someone out there. I didnโt want to write the generic retirement โthanks for everythingโ 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. Iโm looking forward to seeing what life has in store for me next.
Cheers,
Jenko