Theo Walcott set to retire at 34 after former England and Arsenal star’s release by Southampton
THEO WALCOTT is set to retire from football at the age of 34.
The former England and Arsenal star has been a free agent since being released by Southampton earlier this summer.
According to talkSPORT, Walcott is expected to announce his retirement from football with immediate effect.
He has been linked with several clubs since leaving St. Mary’s at the end of June.
Premier League Bournemouth and League One side Reading have both been potential suitors this summer.
However, Walcott is said to have instead chosen to hang up his boots and is set to make an announcement imminently.
The winger started his career with Southampton before signing for Arsenal as a 16-year-old in 2006.
He was later included in England’s World Cup squad later that year aged 17, before he had made his Premier League debut.
Walcott spent 12 years with the Gunners, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances and winning three FA Cups.
After leaving for Everton in 2018, he returned to boyhood club Southampton in 2021 following an initial loan spell.
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Prior to Walcott’s contract expiring at the end of last season, the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
The 34-year-old scored twice in 20 league matches during the campaign before being released.
Walcott also scored eight goals in 47 caps for England, including a hat-trick against Croatia in 2008.
He was also a member of the Three Lions’ squad for the 2012 Euros, playing in all four matches.