Theo Walcott has introduced his retirement from soccer on the age of 34, bringing the curtain down on a profession that spanned 563 membership appearances and 47 England caps

Theo Walcott has introduced his retirement from soccer following his departure from Southampton on the finish of final season.

Walcott, who scored greater than 100 objectives for Arsenal and received 47 England caps, had been linked with a transfer to Bournemouth and League One outfit Reading earlier this summer time.

But the 34-year-old has known as time on his profession, confirming his retirement with a social media put up, having made 563 membership appearances and received three FA Cups alongside two Community Shields.

In an emotional video posted on social media, Walcott mentioned: “The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10 was a special journey for me. From playing in the park with friends to performing in some of the biggest stadiums in front of huge crowds across the world.

“The assist proven to me all through this time has been unbelievable and in each manner possible I’m actually grateful. I shared the soccer pitch with so many unbelievable gamers and we’ve created so many unforgettable recollections.

“I’d prefer to say a giant thanks to all of the managers and coaches that I’ve labored with, particularly Harry [Redknapp] for giving me a begin and Arsene [Wenger] for displaying the idea and supporting me once I joined the membership at solely 16 years previous. Over 18 improbable years within the Premier League, there are such a lot of moments I’ll cherish.

“The early days at Southampton Football Club, my switch to Arsenal the place I spent 12 gratifying years and scored over 100 objectives, successful the FA Cup and scoring within the last which is each child’s dream. To have had the chance to symbolize England 47 instances and to go to the World Cup in 2006 aged simply 17 and nonetheless to carry the file for the youngest-ever debut by a senior England participant and the youngest hat-trick goalscorer at 19 – I’ll always remember that feeling.

“I’m lucky enough to have had offers to continue playing but it feels right to finish where I started and hang up my football boots. Thank you to everyone who has been with me along the way.”

Walcott, who scored 129 objectives in all competitions, spent the vast majority of his profession in north London at Arsenal after becoming a member of the membership in January 2006 aged 16 from Southampton for an preliminary £5m rising to £12m.

The former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton winger scored 80 objectives in 397 Premier League appearances.

He was sensationally named by Sven-Goran Eriksson in England’s World Cup squad that summer time regardless of not that includes for the Gunners within the second half of the 2005/06 marketing campaign.

Walcott turned England’s youngest participant on the age of 17 years and 75 days when he appeared in a pleasant win over Hungary in May 2006.

He scored eight instances for his nation, together with a hat-trick in opposition to Croatia in World Cup qualifying in 2008 which made him the youngest participant to attain a treble for the Three Lions.

In footage: Walcott’s profession…