August 18, (THEWILL) – In a surprising announcement, English football star, Theo Walcott, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
The news has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, as there were still some years left in his career and he could leave England to play elsewhere. But he chose to end a career that began as a promising young talent at Southampton, where his exceptional pace and technical skills quickly caught the attention of top clubs. In 2006, at the tender age of 16, he made his debut for Southampton’s first team, becoming the youngest player to ever represent the club.
His performances soon attracted the interest of Arsenal, who secured his signature in January 2006. During his 12-year spell at Arsenal, Walcott established himself as a key player in the squad. Known for his blistering speed and clinical finishing, he became a fan favourite and achieved great success. He was part of the Arsenal team that won two FA Cups and two Community Shields, contributing with crucial goals and assists along the way.
In 2018, Walcott made a move to Everton, where he continued to showcase his abilities. He played for Southampton first on loan before a permanent move in his last professional stint before retiring. Although injuries hampered his playing time at times, he remained a valuable asset to the team. His experience and leadership qualities were evident on and off the pitch, as he guided and mentored younger players.
Throughout his career, Walcott also represented the England national team, earning 47 caps and scoring eight goals. His speed and versatility made him a valuable asset for the national side, featuring in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
