Ex-Arsenal forward Theo Walcott retires from football at 34

One of the most promising young English players of his time, Theo Walcott, announced his retirement from professional football on Friday. He is 34 years old.

The winger played for Southampton, with whom he began and concluded his career, Arsenal, and Everton throughout the course of an 18-year senior career, making more than 560 club games and tallying 129 goals.

Without having played for his country in the international game, he was controversially selected for the 2006 World Cup team by then-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

However, he went on to make history by becoming the 19-year-old player to score a hat-trick for his country and the youngest player to represent England in a senior men’s international.

In all, Walcott – whose career was blighted by injuries — scored eight goals in 47 appearances for England.

“A special journey for me began the first time I put on my football boots at the age of 10,” Walcott wrote on Instagram.

“I am truly appreciative for all the support that has been given to me at this difficult period.
I’ve played football on the same field as so many fantastic players, and we have so many special moments together.

AFP