Children’s Guide to the World Cup: Jermaine Jenas interview
When 19-year-old Jermaine Jenas signed for Newcastle United for £5 million in February 2002, he became Britain's second most expensive teenage footballer. The England Under-21 midfielder tells Children's Express reporters about his career so far and how he rates England's chances in the World Cup.
| Playing in front of 52,000 passionate Geordies screaming their heroes on is an incredible experience. |
How did you get into football?
I've been playing football for as long as I can remember and joined Nottingham Forest as an 11-year-old where Paul Hart took me under his wing. He helped me through the tough times and gave me the chance, as well as the encouragement, to begin a career in the game.
The Forest Youth sides I played in were very talented teams - indeed, many of the players I grew up with in the Under-17s and Under-19s are in the first team squad now at the City Ground.
I was fortunate enough to captain both the Academy teams and I was even lucky enough to captain the first team on one occasion, against Watford. It was a big moment for me, very enjoyable, but something you just had to deal with.
What were your feelings when signing for Newcastle?
I want to win things and become a better player, and I have definitely chosen the right manager to make me a better player. There were other clubs interested in signing me but I was really impressed with what I saw at Newcastle.
 Jenas says there's nothing to beat a game in front of a capacity crowd at St James' Park. Picture courtesy Newcastle United FC. | |
|
It's not just the football though. I needed to feel comfortable in a new environment and Newcastle gave me that feeling too. It's a big step for me but I'm not nervous - I am confident I can do well. I just need to adjust to the pace of things.
The manager's record speaks for itself and I've come here knowing that Bobby Robson is a good manager and a good developer of players. I know too that he'll be able to develop me as a player and as a person as well. It's a tremendous career move for me and one that I'm really looking forward to.
What was your favourite game?
Our 1 - 0 win at Sunderland last February - it was an unbelievable day.
Where are you right now?
I'm just about to go on holiday but then it's back to Newcastle in early July for pre-season training.
What's it like playing at St. James' Park?
Playing in front of 52,000 passionate Geordies screaming their heroes on is an incredible experience. It's a great place to be and you just can't beat it.
Do you get nervous?
No, fortunately not. There are always a few butterflies before the game but once it's underway, I'm fine.
Who will win the World Cup?
I fancy either Italy or Argentina.
Who is your favourite player?
John Barnes and former Forest striker Stan Collymore are my two favourite players but at the World Cup I particularly like the Argentinian Veron.
How do you rate England's chances?
I'm always confident we will do well. A lot depends on the Argentina game on Friday but if we can get a good result there, I'm sure we'll go on to do well.
Are you looking forward to next season?
It goes without saying that having had a taste of the Premiership last season, I'm really looking forward to the new season and hopefully establishing myself in the team. There's also Champions League Football to look forward to hopefully so all in all it's a really exciting time to be at Newcastle United.
About the team
This story was produced by Children's Express Newcastle bureau. It was published by BBC Tyne Online.
For more news about the World Cup, read our Children's Guide to the World Cup.
BBC is the trade mark of the British Broadcasting Corporation and is used under licence.
