Ex-Arsenal star announces retirement hours before Community Shield after ‘suffering’ for years

Carl Jenkinson has shared an emotional statement on social media to confirm his retirement from football. The 33-year-old kicked off his career at the Charlton youth academy, before breaking into the first team in 2010.

A transfer to Arsenal then ensued a year later, where he remained for eight years before joining Nottingham Forest in 2019. After a three-year spell at the City Ground, Jenkinson then transferred to Newcastle Jets.

He finished his playing days with Bromley between 2024 and 2026, before leaving the club as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract in May. And now, he has called time on an admirable career under the bright lights.

Writing on X, Jenkinson said: "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.

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"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."

It comes as Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City in the Community Shield at 3pm on Sunday.