Theo Walcott bids farewell to professional football: A retrospective on his storied career

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Theo Walcott, the celebrated former England, and Arsenal forward, has declared his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned over a decade.

On Friday, Walcott took to social media to announce his decision to step away from the sport that he has graced for years. A product of Southampton's youth academy, he made his mark by joining Arsenal at the tender age of 16 back in 2006. Throughout his illustrious career, Walcott showcased his football prowess by notching up an impressive 108 goals in 397 appearances.

Walcott's legacy is intricately woven into Arsenal's history, a club where he spent 12 memorable years. His contributions played an instrumental role in clinching the FA Cup twice, during the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, alongside triumphs in the Community Shield in 2015 and 2017. His tenure at Arsenal was defined by his commitment, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Walcott expressed heartfelt gratitude. «The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10 was a special journey for me,» he shared on social media. From those humble beginnings to gracing colossal stadiums across the globe, he acknowledged the unwavering support he received. «The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable, and I am truly grateful,» he said.

Walcott's influence extended to the international stage as well. He earned 47 caps for England and etched his name in the record books as the youngest-ever senior player for the national team at the age of 17. His international journey was a testament to his