Arsenal fullback Carl Jenkinson admits he's fortunate to be making it as a footballer.

Jenkinson will sign a new deal with the Gunners this week.

He told the London Evening Standard: "Being a footballer is the dream job, something every kid wants to do. It's strange because I'm at the age where a lot of my friends are at uni and their life revolves around going out and having a few drinks. But my life is completely different. I take my football incredibly seriously. When you're playing twice a week there's never an opportunity to go out.

"My mates say, 'God, I'd love to be you'. I'm lucky to do this job and it would be wrong if I was out every night abusing the privileges I have. Of course there's the Christmas party, and if I'm away off season I'll have a beer on the beach, but I stay away from alcohol completely during the season."