Lionel Messi wanted Theo Walcott’s shirt, Thierry Henry left him a note at Arsenal and Tottenham fans lobbed £16.32 at him
It feels like yesterday when a 17-year-old Theo Walcott became England's youngest-ever player.
That record still stands to this day, even though a 34-year-old Walcott has doubled in age and looks set to retire from football.
talkSPORT told you on Thursday that the former Arsenal and Southampton star has made the decision to hang up his boots.
In truth, Walcott's career had been winding down since his Emirates exit in 2018, before underwhelming spells at Everton and Southampton.
But during his Gunners days, Walcott made some incredible memories.
After all, they don't just hand out the number 14 shirt to anyone in north London.
In 2021, Walcott joined talkSPORT for an extended episode of Up Front With, and looked back on his early days at Arsenal.
He said: “Chelsea came in, so did Liverpool and Arsenal. It was one thing that my idol was there — Thierry Henry. Plus Arsene Wenger gave so many opportunities to young players.
“I just thought I couldn’t say no to them and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
“As soon as I walked in, the first person I saw was Henry. I thought, ‘Bloody hell!’ I looked so starstruck. Then Robert Pires comes in, then Freddie Ljungberg, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole. I was like a kid with his autograph book.
“I’ve never changed from that little kid up to now.”
Walcott revealed iconic striker Henry left him a note when the legendary number 14 shirt was vacated.
“I originally wanted number 8 but it was the season they signed Samir Nasri, so they told me I couldn’t have it," Walcott added.
“So I just said I’ll take number 14. I’m not superstitious and I didn’t really think of the relevance. Then suddenly I thought, ‘S***, I’ve taken Thierry’s number’.
“I got a shirt
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