Frode Høybakk Lien

Family guy, 48, husband to Elisabeth and father to my beloved Noah & Theo. Gooner for life #Arsenal

[Gabriel Martinelli @gabimartinelli]

Once a Gunner, always a Gunner ❤️

[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

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@EspNilse Ufattelig

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@heggelund7 Enormt talent! Moden med ball, ro, uvanlig god fotballforståelse i så ung alder🫶

[Tommy Andersen @TR_Andersen]

Thomas Wassberg fylte 70 år i Mars og behøver ikke mye. Kanskje tidenes beste intervju.

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@HandofArsenal So much better than Saka. It seems like Saka has no confidence. Such a downfall after the hamstring injury.

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@WelBeast We’re off. Rice and Merino at the same time is not good. When we don’t play with a creative force in midfield it seems like we cannot play. A lot of bad passes from too many players. Sometimes I really wonder about what Merino brings to the team. In this game - too slow.

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties.

Crystal Palace to receive package in excess of £60m as Eze preferred #AFC over Spurs.

Arsenal win race over Tottenham, been in advanced talks for days but never sealed.

[Lars Tjærnås @Tjaernas]

Arsenal: Liker veldig godt at de er mer direkte og åpne enn siste par sesonger. Det vil kle dem. Bredden i troppen er enorm . Stopperparet fortsatt doktorgrad i å beskytte eget mål. Zubimendi enormt godt, gjorde knapt en eneste trykkfeil. Likte bevegelsene uten ball til Gyøkeres

[WestStandTone @WestStandTone]

Whoever defaced the tunnel murals ain’t Arsenal.

They’re just cunts.

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@isayaknaha @FA_PGMOL Agreed!

[Sol Campbell @SolManOfficial]

@Arsenal

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@AFCAMDEN Agreed. Perfect way to describe it.

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

@caitIin_aIIen Could not agree more. We haven’t looked good all season.

[K.P @PrinceKp87]

So fixed 😅 @FA_PGMOL you couldn't make it anymore apparent if you tried to. Recommended review but ref sticks to his decision lol you can't write this. Just refuse to play anymore @Arsenal this is a joke @premierleague

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

🥰

[Gooner Chris @ArsenalN7]

I love this 😍

https://t.co/NmtVh3v0nY

[Frode Høybakk Lien @YbakkH]

Neineinei. Ødegaard med en ankle sprain. Har vi midtbanespillere igjen til derbyet mot Scum? #arsenal #ødegaard

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

The best is yet to come.

Welcome to north London, Raheem Sterling ✨

[KAZU @kazu_arsenal]

Emile Smith Rowe ❤️

[Mrs Arsenal CHAMPIONSSSSS 🏆 @TaZRahman7]

Happy St. Totteringham's Day 😂