Carl Jenkinson posts emotional statement announcing retirement from football aged 34

Carl Jenkinson posts an emotional statement via social media, announcing his retirement from football, aged 34.

He took to social media on Sunday (16th August), thanking the clubs he’s played for, while also issuing some advice in a lengthy post.

Jenkinson reflects on his career, the players he’s played with, opening up on his confidence, writing a message to young players too to help them going forward.

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

JENKINSON’S PLAYING CAREER:

Youth career
–2010 – Charlton Athletic

Senior
2010–2011 – Charlton Athletic – 9 games (0 goals)
2010 → Welling United (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2010 → Eastbourne Borough (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2011–2019 – Arsenal – 70 games (1 goal)
2014–2016 → West Ham United (loan) – 59 games (2 goals)
2017–2018 → Birmingham City (loan) – 9 games (0 goals)
2019–2022 – Nottingham Forest – 15 games (0 goals)
2022 → Melbourne City (loan) – 28 games (3 goals)
2022–2024 – Newcastle Jets – 34 games (0 goals)
2024–2026 – Bromley – 18 games (0 goals)

International
2008 – England U17 – 1 game (0 goals)
2010 – Finland U19 – 3 games (1 goals)
2011 – Finland U21 – 1 game (0 goals)
2013–2015 – England U21 – 14 games (2 goals)
2012 – England – 1 game (0 goals)

Here’s how fans reacted after Carl Jenkinson posts emotional statement announcing retirement from football aged 34…

What what a message! Wishing you all the best. A kid who lived his dream playing for the club he loved. Wishing you all the best! pic.twitter.com/7VLbUVx0Cq

— David O’Leary (@Dav1dOLeary) August 16, 2026

@now_arsenaI: What a guy

@DarrenArsenal1: Good luck Carl, top man

@xDaveAFC: Just a kid who lived out his dream. All the best with retirement Jenko! Thanks for the memories ❤️

@TILIKI_OS: Carl Jenkinson. The boy who lived his dream. Thank you for wearing the Arsenal badge with honor and respect. Even though you weren’t the most talented, we saw your desire and passion. For most of us, that’s enough to love you. Happy retirement, Carl. ❤️😊

@Salibasexual02: Good luck Carl, you actually lived your dream by playing for your club and that’s bigger than any trophy you could have won. Good luck in what you do next.

@ExWHUEmployee: Congrats on a great career mate! A short time at West Ham but a very productive one 👏🏻⚒

@joel_mckeo39350: I was in Norwich the day you scored your first Arsenal goal. Just remember everyone chanting jenkinsons a goooner and it carried on out the stadium and the whole train back to London, despite the great Aaron Ramsey goal. You live the dream for millions of gooners

@JAlexAFC1: He got absolutely everything out of his career, played for his boyhood club. Fair play

@adesinaOG: Brilliantly put Carl. Happy retirement to a proper gunner. ❤️

@henryluv2: This is the kind of retirement message every young footballer should read. 👏 Jenko’s words on confidence, discipline, humility and giving everything to your craft are priceless. “Confidence without application… won’t get you far.” Football will miss characters like him. ❤️⚽️

@StevenF17066810: This guy lived the dream playing for the club he loved and he was a player I wanted to make it at the top with us so bad because of it. It’s a shame he didn’t have the confidence in himself but no matter what he has lived the dream that millions can literally only dream of 🔴⚪️