Carl Jenkinson announces retirement after career spanning Arsenal and England
Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has retired at 34, ending a professional career that fulfilled his childhood ambition of representing the club he supported.
Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing an end to a career that saw the lifelong Arsenal supporter represent the club he grew up watching.
Jenkinson confirmed his decision in an emotional statement after leaving Bromley, where he spent the final stage of his playing career.
According to Daily Cannon, the former right-back joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2011 and went on to make 70 appearances for the Gunners, winning two FA Cups before leaving in 2019.
He also earned one senior England cap, while later spells included West Ham United, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Melbourne City, Newcastle Jets and Bromley.
Jenkinson’s Arsenal journey was particularly significant because he had grown up supporting the club and regularly attended matches at Highbury with his family.
In his retirement message, he reflected on the demands of professional football, revealing that confidence had been a persistent challenge throughout his career but insisting that his work ethic never wavered.
He encouraged young players to remain committed to improving their game, highlighting the importance of training, humility and learning from experienced professionals.
Jenkinson also praised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as an example of balancing confidence with humility.
His retirement marks the end of a journey that began with a childhood dream and eventually took him onto the Champions League stage and into international football.
