2013-09-11 18:19#134547 AlexTHFC : I agree
Despite me writing that, I disagree!
Some say I'm a c***, its just passion really
Hello Jack, nice to have you here.
Its nice to have the chance to talk to you.
Right firstly Jack, how do you think last season went, both for the club and you personally?
For the club it was a very challenging and tough year. Going into the season and during the season we were constantly criticized for one thing or another. It was a real test of our mental strength. In terms of cup runs, we were disappointing, excluding the champions league. I think in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, a club such as our club, Arsenal, should have done much better and we were poor. I know the fans were furious, I was too!
Personally for me, it was a good season. It was the season that I made my return after some years which was really nice. I think I put in some decent performances but at points injuries played hampered my football, which is very frustrating but you've just got to deal with it. The club always comes first though, some players in the past have failed to understand that and so they just ditch the club for other top teams *smiles*
*laughs* We won't mention any names! What was it like during your rehabilitation period?
It was very tough. You know you watch the other lads training and watch them playing matches on TV and you're wishing you could be playing. There was a lot of physical wok that had to be put in to make sure my body was ready. When I suffered the setback I was devastated, it was awful, but I'm glad I'm back now and I'm hoping I can stay fit.
You became a father, not too long ago, how has that been to you?
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When Archie was born, I was over the moon. I'm really proud to be a dad. Some may say I became a dad too early, its our choice really. I actually think it was Archie that got me through those crucial five months, and Lauren of course, my girlfriend.
Jack, the season has started, where you sad to see Arséne leave his role as the manager?
To be honest, I wasn't surprised that he did, I saw it coming but I was very sad about it. If it wasn't for Wenger I probably wouldn't be the player I am today. I owe him a lot! Thankfully we still see him very often as he's now the director of football.
What are your thoughts of the new manager?
He's just a mini-me of Arséne, its really interesting. They are very similar in their training methods, tactics etc. We were all expecting a manager to come in and change everything at the club, but obviously the board knew what they were doing when appointing him.
You often tend to get into fights with opposition players' and many have said harsh things about you because of that, what do you think about this?
It happens every other game! I don't think its because of what people say, its the love and the passion of the game. You go in for every tackle, if an opposition does something bad you want to tell them yourselves. Sometimes you can't wait for the ref to do all the talking, but you must be careful not to go too far. There are boundaries.
Lastly Jack, there has been talk of you becoming the next captain, what do you think about that.
I don't want to talk about that, want to respect the current captain Thomas. All I will say is that hopefully my future at the club I love so much, Arsenal FC is bright. I've said it before and I will say it again, I will NEVER EVER leave the club. You don't kiss the badge then leave like some people have done.
