Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal forward, has officially retired from professional soccer at the age of 34, marking the end of his illustrious 18-year career.
With an impressive track record, Walcott netted 129 goals across 560 matches, leaving his mark on Southampton, Arsenal, and Everton. His international journey includes 47 appearances for the England national team.
A defining moment arrived for Walcott at the tender age of 17 when he surprisingly earned a spot in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for the 2006 World Cup. Notably, he holds the distinction of being England's youngest-ever player and contributed eight goals for the national team.
Commencing his journey at Southampton, Walcott emerged onto the professional scene at 16 years old in 2005. In a fitting culmination, he returned to St. Mary’s in 2020, effectively bookending his remarkable career.
Taking to Instagram, Walcott shared, “I’m lucky enough to have had offers to continue playing, but it feels right to finish where I started and hang up my football boots.”
During his extensive 12-year tenure at Arsenal, Walcott found the net 108 times across 397 appearances. His journey then led him to Everton in January 2018.
Enjoy your well deserved Retirement Theo. https://t.co/r4OtYr3vqn
— GunnersDen (@GunnersD3n) August 18, 2023
Expressing his gratitude, Walcott acknowledged, “The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable, and I am truly grateful. I’ve shared the football pitch with so many incredible players and we have created so many unforgettable memories.”
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