Theo Walcott snubs megabucks Saudi offers to RETIRE at 34 and drops hint about next job in career move for Arsenal icon
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THEO WALCOTT has retired aged 34 despite having offers to continue playing.
The former Arsenal winger decided to hang up his boots following Southampton's relegation from the Premier League.
Walcott revealed he had offers to carry on in an emotional farewell message announcing his retirement.
He shared his pride at playing for the likes of Arsenal, Everton and England in the post, while thanking Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger for giving him a chance and showing belief in him.
The message reads: "The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable and I am truly grateful.
"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 and Arsene [Wenger] for showing belief and support to me when I joined the club only 16-years-old.
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"Over 18 fantastic years in the Premier League there are so many moments I will cherish.
"The early days at Southampton, my transfer to Arsenal where I spent 12 enjoyable years and scored over 100 goals, winning in the FA Cup and scoring in the final which is every kid's dream.
"To have had the opportunity to represent England 47 times, going to the World Cup in 2006 aged just 17 and still to hold the record for youngest every debut by a senior player, and youngest hat-trick goalscorer at 19 - I'll never forget that feeling.
"Goodison Park is such a special place to play and Everton will always be in my heart. I loved my time there and will never forget the way the fans welcomed me and my family.
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"And finally back to Southampton to complete the circle. It's a great club with an exciting young team that I know will get better and better.
"I'm lucky enough to have 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."
The 47-cap former England star stated his aim was to continue playing when he announced he would be leaving Southampton in May.
Walcott was heavily linked with a free transfer switch to League One Reading following his Saints exit.
He also revealed he rejected offers from Championship clubs and from teams abroad, including Saudi Arabia.
But he revealed his heart was no longer into playing football, with Walcott now focused on becoming a pundit.
He told Gary Neville on : “I had some offers abroad, and at some very good Championship teams.
“There’s been some Saudi offers, but that’s not where I want to see myself playing. Nothing against the money or the league – I just
feel like right now if my heart’s not into playing football, then it’s not fair on the clubs and not fair on me.
“I would like to [go into media], we’ll see. I do enjoy that side of it, I enjoy analysing the games, analysing the teams, and as well, I have a different insight into the generations, I’ve played in
your generation as well, which is slightly older than myself.”