Jenkinson relishing Champions League showdown

Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson says he is determined to keep his side in the Champions League as it is ‘the pinnacle of football’.

The 21-year-old is in the frame to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday in the second leg of the last-16 clash, as his side look to try to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit after a difficult night at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago.

Jenkinson, a boyhood Arsenal fan, has admitted that he has come to realise that the Champions League is the height of football, and is excited about getting the opportunity to appear in the tournament again.

“I’ve learned and realised that the Champions League is just the pinnacle of football,” he told the club’s official website.

“When I was growing up watching the Champions League, it’s the competition you dream of playing in.

“The build-up, the song that’s played before the game that sends shivers down your spine, everything about the Champions League is just classy. It’s where you want to be as a footballer.

“I love playing in it. I’ve been lucky enough to play a few games in it, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.

“I used to go to games when I was younger, and I’d be at school telling my mates I’m going to the Champions League tonight’s. It’s just a big buzz.

“There’s such an aura about the Champions League. It’s a fantastic tournament and I can’t get enough of it.”