Author: Amrit Santlani
Former Arsenal and England international Theo Walcott has ended his glittering career by choosing to hang up his boots at the age of 34. His contract with Southampton expired at the end of last season and Walcott revealed that, despite having received offers to continue playing, he felt the time was right to close the curtains on his glittering career.
Walcott made his first-team debut for Southampton, excelling in the club’s academy before being signed by Arsenal in 2006. It was under Arsene Wenger that the Englishman reached the pinnacle of his career, playing over 200 games for Arsenal.
The 34-year-old opted to retire after making 563 career appearances, scoring 129 goals for his three clubs, including Everton. Walcott won two FA Cups during his time in north London, as well as two Community Shields.
The winger was capped 47 times for England and scored eight goals for the Three Lions.
Theo took to Instagram to announce his decision to retire. “I’d like to say a big thank you to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with, especially Harry [Redknapp] for giving me my start and Arsene [Wenger] for believing in me and supporting me when I joined the club at just 16 years old” he wrote.
After representing Arsenal for 12 years, Walcott went to Everton and played at Goodison Park for three years, before coming full circle by returning to his boyhood club for another two years.
The England international played 25 games in all competitions last year, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Walcott has not yet announced what his next move will be. The veteran could opt to join his former Arsenal teammate Jack Wilshere in becoming a coach, or he could also choose to become a commentator. Few people know that Theo has also written many children’s books and may continue his career as an author.