Wayne Rooney has been helping Everton on and off the pitch this season.
Everton’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions, Rooney is one of the main reasons that the Toffees were able to bring Theo Walcott on board in the January transfer window.
On Wednesday, Walcott was unveiled as an Everton player after arriving from Arsenal for £20 million on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The 28-year-old had been pursued by several clubs, including Southampton (where he started his professional career), but Walcott’s heart was set on Goodison Park after speaking to the seemingly persuasive Rooney.
“I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton,” Walcott told evertontv.
“He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up. Those are the reasons I came here.
“This is a club with great history. The fans are brilliant, they are always passionate… and I used to find it very tough playing here
“You want to be part of something and Wayne feels Everton are really going to improve.”
Walcott had been at the Gunners for 12 years, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances for the North London side.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/953679937545883650
Along with Rooney’s convincing, the allure of working under Sam Allardyce is also said to have played a significant role in Walcott’s decision to move to Merseyside.
“I was very proud of what I did last season – scoring 19 goals,” said Walcott.
“I want to bring that [scoring form] to Everton Football Club. I want to be part of the attacking force that is here.
“It always comes down to hard work and I think the manager here will get the best out of all the players.
“I just want to play football and enjoy it again. I feel this move will make that happen.
🔵 | Welcome to your new home… pic.twitter.com/7Okf2ItZUv
— Everton (@Everton) January 17, 2018
“With Sam coming in, his start was fantastic. There has been a little dip – but that happens and it is how you get out of that which makes you stronger. I feel like the players have got a point to prove, I have got a point to prove and it is going to get the best out of us, I am sure.
“I feel like I can add value in any of the front-line positions. The manager will pick the team depending on who we play against. He sees me more on the right, but I can play in any of those positions. A lot of those 19 goals I scored I was playing on the right.
“I think this is going to be brilliant for me. I want to be a part of the atmosphere here and try to build something special. This is a special place to play football and the old traditions are great.”
