Theo Walcott, one of the outstanding young English talents of his generation, announced Friday he has retired from professional football at the age of 34.
In an 18-year senior career the winger made more than 560 club appearances for Southampton, with whom he started and ended his career, Arsenal and Everton, scoring 129 goals.
He was controversially included in then England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for the 2006 World Cup without having played international football.
But he went on to become both the youngest player to represent England in a senior men’s international and, at the age of 19, score a hat-trick for the national side.
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.”
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 week agoSaudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco and world football governing body FIFA on Thursday...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 month agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP