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.
“The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me,” Walcott wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
