Theo Walcott is currently in his 10th season with Arsenal and has appeared in more games (306) than any other current Gunner. In an interview with Arsenal Magazine, the forward talked about his style of play, and the factors that have allowed him to thrive at a top club like Arsenal.
I’ve always played with a free spirit, I’ve always tried to have time for people and respect others.
Also I’m a family man. That’s who I am.
Despite having achieved a level of play that would be the envy of many professional footballers, the 26-year old continues to look for ways to improve and looks outside of himself often for inspiration.
I’m always looking to learn from other people and I’ve continued to do that. That’s made me into a better person and a better player.
I’m still looking to learn from others because I always want to push myself to the highest possible level.
Walcott credits his family for supporting his rise through youth football and into his professional career. Their sacrifice, he acknowledges, has been critical in helping him rise from the Southampton youth academy to the bright lights of one of London’s biggest and most successful clubs.
From day one my family have been making sacrifices for me. When I was really young they always took me to training sessions at Southampton because they knew how important that was to me.
My family have always been there for me and so supportive. Then when I joined Arsenal, and all the hype that was around it, my family helped me settle down in a house and sort out all the things that I needed to do, even though I was just 16.
I had to grow up quickly, and they helped with that.
Having recently signed a contract extension with the club that runs through 2019, Walcott looks to make many more appearances with the club and add to his 76 goals. He’ll get another chance to add to his total when the Gunners take on Stoke at the Britannia Stadium this Saturday..
