It all happened so fast.
After 12 years at Arsenal, Theo Walcott’s departure was so sudden that he wasn’t even able to say goodbye to his teammates as he was rushed to get his transfer to Everton finalised earlier this week.
Walcott joined the Toffees on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday for a fee believed to be in the region of £20 million.
Now-former manager Arsene Wenger had suggested that it was Walcott’s desire for more playing time that inspired the move to Goodison Park although a theory has since done the rounds which claims that the 28-year-old fell out of favour at the Emirates for comments made after a defeat last April.
This would make an awful lot of sense https://t.co/aEqIXf4bMb
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 19, 2018
Walcott had been linked with several clubs in January but once negotiations with Everton got underway, the deal was put together so quickly that he had to leave Arsenal with his belongings in bin bags.
“For whatever reason it didn’t happen this year and that’s why I’ve moved on,” Walcott said.
“I’ve known him (Wenger) since I was 16 and to bring in a young player and have belief in them I can’t thank him enough for that.
“With any player if you are not playing you are going to be upset but I’ve always had so much respect for the manager.
Theo Walcott explains his reasons for leaving Arsenal after 11 years for a fresh start @Everton @PAdugout pic.twitter.com/Fg7osJ4eDU
— Rich McCarthy (@VJRichMcCarthy) January 19, 2018
“When you look at the minutes this season I’ve played I wasn’t part of it so it was just getting the timing right.
“As a personal footballing career decision I felt it was time now. It happened so quickly. There is no point in dwelling on the past.
“When I found I was coming here I had to go there (Arsenal’s training ground) at night and pick up all my stuff in bin bags.
“I will at some point go back and say my proper goodbyes but we do play them very soon, which I am looking forward to.”
The winger is set to take part in his first training session under new boss Sam Allardyce on Friday, ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash with West Brom this weekend.
Walcott also revealed how pivotal a role Wayne Rooney played in getting him to agree to commit the next three years of his life to Everton.
“I have a new manager I have to impress and get the ball rolling,” Walcott said.
Just call him Agent W https://t.co/5IEVJy45AI
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) January 18, 2018
“After speaking to the gaffer and particularly Wayne as well, I felt the club was on the up with a manager who seems to get the best out of players.
“I want this club to push on and reach the levels it can and you get the sense that it is a club that financially can attract big players.
“I got a sense from Wayne he was hungry and the club was eager to push on and that is why he wanted to join.
“He felt it was the right place and I totally agree with him.”
