Theo Walcott turned down Liverpool to join Arsenal
Theo Walcott admitted that he celebrated Liverpool's famous Champions League victory in 2005 - just months before he signed for Premier League rivals Arsenal. But when the Gunners came calling, the former Southampton man, a lifelong Reds supporter, snubbed his side for Arsene Wenger's team.
Not long after joining Arsenal, he admitted: "When Liverpool won the Champions League last year, I went mad. I was shouting so loud I think I woke up the entire village where I live!"
Even though he wore the Arsenal badge, a young Walcott once seized the chance to act as a ball-boy for Chelsea just to sneak precious moments with some Liverpool legends.
"I was playing in a tournament for Swindon when Southampton and Chelsea showed an interest," he said. "Chelsea invited me to be a ball boy for a match against Liverpool and it was fantastic to meet my heroes Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.
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"I was a Liverpool fan simply because my dad followed them. Unfortunately I wasn't born when the team had their golden era, but I enjoyed watching the likes of Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman when I was growing up."
Fittingly, Walcott made his final career appearance when Liverpool visited Southampton in May 2023. The then 34-year-old chalked up an assist in a thrilling 4-4 draw, ending his professional career with relegation.
Despite being a lifelong Reds supporter, the forward's record against Liverpool was somewhat lacklustre. He played 27 times, winning just six matches and scoring two goals with three assists.
Walcott , pictured playing against his beloved Reds back in 2021, revealed how he celebrated their famous Champions League win
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Image:
PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
However, two of his most memorable moments for Arsenal came against Liverpool, sprinting the length of the pitch to claim assists at Anfield in the Champions League in April 2008 and again in the Premier League a year later. Walcott spent the majority of his career with the Gunners, joining for £12m from Southampton in January 2006.
He made 397 appearances over 12 years, netting 108 goals before moving to Everton for £20m in January 2018 and later returning to St. Mary's, initially on loan, in October 2020.
A two-time FA Cup winner during his time in North London, it's surprising that the 35-year-old didn't achieve more, given the high expectations when he first joined Arsenal from Southampton. Despite regular rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool throughout his career, such a transfer never happened before he joined the Reds' fierce local rivals, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Walcott signed for Arsenal back in 2006 and spent 12 years with the club (
Image:
AFP/Getty Images)
Back in 2006, Walcott had his heart set on a different path despite Liverpool being the club of his childhood dreams, opting instead for a move to Arsenal with the allure of playing under Arsene Wenger and alongside Thierry Henry swaying his decision. "Chelsea and Liverpool were options at the time," Walcott reminisced on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, adding flair to an earlier narrative this season.
"Manchester United came in very late, which I was unaware of, but to be honest my mind was already made up as soon as Arsene Wenger got involved. I remember going back to his place with David Dein.
"Thierry Henry was a player that I really aspired to learn from and as soon as I learned Arsenal were involved I thought I have to go there and play with him."
He added: "It was my dream to play with someone like that. You ask any kid who you get an opportunity to play with your [dream] star, you're going to do it. It was an easy option for me."
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