“I cried every day after leaving Arsenal, which was the biggest mistake of my life.” – The former Arsenal player begs Arteta for the chance to return this summer, acknowledging that he “never really wanted” to leave.
Carl Jenkinson, a former defender for Arsenal, talks back on his tenure there.
In the summer of 2011, Carl Jenkinson moved from Charlton Athletic to Arsenal.
Shortly after arriving, the right-back played in his first Champions League qualifier with the Gunners. He also started the notorious 8-2 loss to Manchester United shortly after that.
Following the crushing loss to the Red Devils, Arsene Wenger moved fast to add Mikel Arteta and other players to the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window.
Jenkinson made 14 appearances overall in his debut season at Arsenal. His playing career was cut short by injuries and loan stints at West Ham United and Birmingham City, but he remained with Arsenal until 2019.
His best playing years with the Gunners came from 2012 to 2014. The full-back made 43 appearances in the two campaigns during which he scored the only goal of his Arsenal career. He played a key role in the Gunners’ FA Cup success in 2014. He was also awarded honours abroad. 2012 saw Jenkinson earn his lone England captaincy in a practice match over Sweden.
Jenkinson was a favourite among Arsenal supporters despite his little playing time because of his apparent passion for the team. The thirty-one-year-old was raised as a Gunners fan.
Carl Jenkinson recalls his exit from Arsenal as follows:
Jenkinson talked about the significance of being an Arsenal player for him and the agony of leaving the team.
Jenkinson disclosed in a recent interview with The Athletic. That it was ended made me quite sad. I needed some time to process the realisation that I was no longer a player.
“I believe it took me some time to become back into a fan. It has taken some time, but I’m back in the fold safely. And I enjoy it: I watch the games as usual, and my dad and I are once again in possession of season tickets. That implies I can travel with my dad once more when I return to England. It’s pleasant. I’m finally at the stage where I can appreciate being a fan once more. That’s who I’ve always been. And going forward, that’s who I will always be.
“I never really wanted to leave Arsenal, so it was difficult for me to do so in the end.”
Jenkinson’s career is a reflection of a challenging time in the team’s recent history, when Arsenal’s ability to make transfers was significantly curtailed by the expense of relocating from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.
However, his tale is also one that is sure to thrill followers. With his heart in the right place, Jenkinson was a lifelong Arsenal supporter who was also a player for the team. For everyone who has ever stood in the stands, Jenkinson was living the American dream.
The news that Jenkinson now remembers playing for Arsenal with pride and that he now fully supports Arteta’s team will excite Arsenal supporters.
