Theo Walcott has revealed how an “unusual” picture of Arsene Wenger persuaded him to join Arsenal.
A host of the Premier League’s biggest teams were in action for Walcott when he was a teenage prodigy blessed with blistering pace at Southampton.
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Walcott was so highly rated that Southampton gave him his first-team debut at the age of 16 years and 143 days when he came on as a substitute in a Championship game against Wolves.
With Walcott continuing to impress at such a young age, the January 2006 window promised to be a stunner for the Premier League heavyweights who sought to sign the young player.
The 35-year-old detailed how Arsenal shot to the top of the queue, with a strange sight of former Gunners manager Wenger remaining in his mind throughout the decision-making process.
“There was [options for me]Walcott said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United came with a very late offer, which I was not aware of at the time.”
“[But] To be honest, my decision was already clear when Arsene Wenger came into the game.
“I remember going back to his seat with David Dein (former Arsenal vice-chairman).
“His sofa was slightly lower and his legs were higher than his actual face because he was so tall.”
“(Laughing) I will never forget that picture, it was very unusual.”
“And of course Thierry Henry was a player I really wanted to learn from.”
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“As soon as I had Arsenal with me, I just wanted to go there and play with them.”
“It was my dream to play with someone like that, and if you ask a kid if they want the opportunity to play with their star, they will.”
“And it was an easy option.”
Walcott moved from Southampton to Arsenal on 20 January 2006 for an initial £5 million, with the possibility of increasing to £12 million.
However, he had to wait until August of that year before making his senior debut for the Gunners, which came in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
Unfortunately for Walcott, he only had one season alongside his hero when Henry moved to Barcelona in June 2007.
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But they later reunited when Henry rejoined the Gunners on a two-month loan deal in January 2012.
Arsenal’s move for Walcott ultimately proved to be a wise investment, as the striker made 397 appearances in all competitions, scoring 108 goals.
His 12-year spell at the Emirates ended in January 2018 when he moved to Everton for a fee of £20 million.
Walcott spent two and a half seasons with the Toffees before sealing an emotional return to Southampton in 2020.
The 35-year-old, who also won 47 caps and scored eight goals for England, retired from football in August 2023.