Former Arsenal and England defender Carl Jenkinson has revealed he struggled with ‘insecurity’ his whole career as he announced his retirement.The 34-year-old brought the curtain down on his playing days on Sunday in an emotional statement in which he admitted to his struggles and revealed advice from Arsene Wenger that he struggled to take on board.Jenkinson, who was capped once by England in November 2012, played for the likes of Charlton, Arsenal and West Ham in his career, before finishing up with Bromley as part of the side that won League Two last season.Now, though, he has taken the time to reflect, revealing that his professional days have come to an end.’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,’ the statement began. ‘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. Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has opened up on his career struggles as he revealed his retirement from football’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 Sanchez, 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” Arsene 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.’Jenkinson joined Arsenal for what was thought to have been around £1million in 2012 as a youngster with high hopes.He never really hit the heights many had expected, but still enjoyed a long career in the game.It’s unclear if he will stay in football post-retirement, but took the opportunity to pass on some wisdom to younger players in his post.’I’m writing all this because I hope some young players might read it,’ he continued. ‘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. Jenkinson, now 34, offered advice for young players after finishing up with Bromley’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.’