Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement at 34, reflecting on his confidence, hard work and the privilege of representing the club he loved.
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Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing to an end a career that fulfilled the dream of every Arsenal supporter, from standing on the terraces at Highbury to wearing the shirt in the Champions League.
The former Arsenal right-back confirmed his decision in an emotional social media statement after leaving Bromley at the end of last season, reflecting honestly on the highs, the setbacks and the self-doubt that shaped his career.
Jenkinson’s playing days conclude after spells with Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, West Ham United, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest and Bromley. He joined Bromley in 2024 and made five appearances during the 2025-26 campaign before his contract expired in May.
Released by Arsenal in 2019 after eight years, 70 appearances and one memorable goal, and two FA Cups, Jenkinson also earned an England cap against Sweden in November 2012.
Raised in an Arsenal-supporting family, Jenkinson regularly attended Highbury with his father and brother. He watched Arsenal win the Premier League as a six-year-old in 1998 and was in the crowd for the final match of the Invincibles season against Leicester City in 2004.
His childhood bedroom was decorated in Arsenal colours, while a Nwankwo Kanu shirt and admiration for Tony Adams reflected the heroes who inspired him.
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That made Arsenal’s interest in 2011 unlike any other opportunity.
“When I knew Arsenal were interested there was only one place I wanted to go,” he said at the time
Signed from Charlton for a reported £1 million, the then 19-year-old had made only 11 senior appearances and spent time on loan with Welling United and Eastbourne Borough.
He later admitted Arsenal’s interest “blew me away”, recalling how he froze when told the club’s scouts had watched him and celebrating outside Arsène Wenger‘s office with his father after the transfer was completed.
His competitive debut came against Udinese in a Champions League qualifier in August 2011 and, within months, the supporter who had once watched from the stands was playing in front of them.
He later described that experience as “the biggest privilege in the world”.
In his retirement message, Jenkinson reflected on the commitment that underpinned his career.
“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 look 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 tough 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.
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“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 was never Arsenal’s greatest right-back, but that was never the reason supporters embraced him.
He remained a fan who happened to wear the shirt, understood exactly what it meant to represent the club and, in doing so, lived the dream so many Arsenal supporters imagine as children.