The 34-year-old attacker Theo Walcott who previously played for Southampton and Arsenal announced his retirement on Friday.
Walcott joined Southampton’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2006 at the age of 16. In 397 games, he was able to score 132 goals and 95 assists.
During his 12-year career in the Premier League club, he won the FA Cup twice in the 2014–15 and 2016–17 seasons alongside winning the Community Shield in 2015 and 2017.
The 47-cap Walcott joined Everton in 2018, then returned to Southampton on loan in 2020–21 before making the transfer permanent.
“The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me,” Walcott said in a post on X. He added, “From playing in the park with friends to performing in some of the biggest stadiums in front of huge crowds across the world. 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.”
When he was 17, Walcott became England’s youngest-ever senior player, appearing in a friendly win against Hungary at Old Trafford.
Walcott also added, “I would like to say a big thank you to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with, especially Harry (Redknapp) for giving me the start (at Southampton) and Arsene (Wenger) for showing belief and support to me when I joined (Arsenal) at only 16 years old.”