While on loan at West Ham, Carl Jenkinson has been quizzed on his firsts and lasts.
The right-back spoke about his first international cap and first nickname in football, as well as his last goal and last shirt he collected after a game.
“[My first international cap] was for England against Sweden in November 2012 and it was a great experience,” he said. “It fulfilled a dream and was a wonderful day for myself and my family. We lost the game – it was when Zlatan scored all four of their goals – but it was a memorable day and the aim is to get back into that squad as soon as possible.”
The right-back continued, “[My first nickname] was actually just Carlo, because there were two Carls when I first joined Charlton as a kid – a goalkeeper and myself – and for whatever reason I became Carlo. No-one calls me it anymore, but that’s what it was when I was about eight. Now it’s Jenks or Jenko.”
Jenko is the nickname the youngster has been affectionately given by his Arsenal teammates and fans, and it reflects the level of familiarity we feel for him. A Gooner from childhood, it feels like having one of our own – a true friend – on the pitch.
“The last goal I scored was for England U21s when we beat Portugal 3-1 in a friendly last season,” Jenko went on. “The ball came across to me at the edge of the box and I just put it into the bottom corner. That was it really, nothing too spectacular but a goal nonetheless. I’d like to get two or three this year. I tend to get a few assists but I need to get on the scoresheet more often now.”
The full-back added, “I haven’t got a shirt for over a year now. I can’t remember as I haven’t swapped shirts for so long, but I do have Arjen Robben’s shirt from when Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Allianz Arena. That’s probably my most cherished one.”
The defender is currently entering his second year on loan to the Hammers after struggling to pick up game time with us. Fortunately, the 23-year-old relishes the chance to get playing time and wants nothing more than to work on his defensive game on the pitch this coming season.
Here’s Jenko talking about his second year at Upton Park.