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Theo Walcott, a former forward for England and Arsenal, announced his retirement from professional football on Friday at the age of 34.
Walcott, a graduate of Southampton's academy, joined Arsenal in 2006 at the age of 16 and registered 108 goals in 397 games.
During his 12-year tenure at the Premier League club, he won the FA Cup twice in the 2014–15 and 2016–17 seasons in addition to the Community Shield in 2015 and 2017.
The 47-cap Walcott joined Everton in 2018, then returned to Southampton on loan in 2020–21 before making the transfer permanent.
"A special journey for me began the first time I put on my football boots at the age of 10," Walcott wrote on social media.
"From having fun with pals in the park to playing in front of massive crowds all over the world in some of the world's biggest stadiums. I am sincerely appreciative of all the support that has been given to me at this difficult period.
I've played football alongside so many fantastic players, and we have made so many priceless experiences together.
When he participated in an exhibition triumph over Hungary at Old Trafford in 2006, Walcott, then 17 years old, made history as England's youngest-ever senior player.
"I would like to say a big thank you to all the managers and coaches I've worked with, especially Harry [Redknapp] for giving me the start [at Southampton] and Arsene [Wenger] for showing belief and support to me when I joined [Arsenal] at only 16 years old," Walcott continued.
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