Theo Walcott admitted he famously celebrated Liverpool's Champions League victory in 2005, just months before signing for Premier League rivals Arsenal. But when the Gunners came calling, the former Southampton man, a lifelong Reds supporter, turned down his side for Arsene Wenger's team.
Not long after joining Arsenal, he admitted: “When Liverpool won the Champions League last year I went crazy. I screamed so loudly I think I woke up the whole village where I live!”
Despite wearing the Arsenal badge, a young Walcott once took the opportunity to act as a ball boy for Chelsea just to sneak precious moments with some Liverpool legends.
“I played in a tournament for Swindon when Southampton and Chelsea showed interest,” he said. “Chelsea invited me to be a ball boy for a match against Liverpool and it was fantastic to meet my heroes Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.
“I was a Liverpool fan simply because my father followed them. Unfortunately I wasn't born when the team was in their golden era, but I enjoyed watching the likes of Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman growing up.”
Fittingly, Walcott made his final career appearance when Liverpool visited Southampton in May 2023. The then 34-year-old scored an assist in a thrilling 4-4 draw, ending his professional career with relegation.
Despite being a lifelong supporter of the Reds, the striker's record against Liverpool was somewhat mediocre. He made 27 appearances, winning just six games and scoring two goals with three assists.
However, two of his most memorable moments for Arsenal came against Liverpool, sprinting the length of the pitch to claim assists at Anfield in the Champions League in April 2008 and again in the Premier League a year later. Walcott spent most of his career with the Gunners, joining from Southampton for £12 million in January 2006.
He played 397 games in twelve years and scored 108 goals before moving to Everton for £20 million in January 2018 and later returning to St. Mary's in October 2020, initially on loan.
A two-time FA Cup winner during his time in North London, it is surprising that the 35-year-old did not perform more given the high expectations when he first joined Arsenal from Southampton. Despite regular rumors that he would move to Liverpool during his career, such a move never materialized before he joined the Reds' fierce local rivals, the Liverpool Echo reports.
By 2006, Walcott had his heart set on a different path, despite Liverpool being the club of his childhood dreams. Instead, he opted for a move to Arsenal with the allure of playing under Arsène Wenger and alongside Thierry Henry influencing his decision. “Chelsea and Liverpool were options at the time,” Walcott reminisced on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, adding flair to an earlier story this season.
“Manchester United came in very late, which I wasn't aware of, but to be honest my mind was made up when Arsene Wenger got involved. I remember going back to his house with David Dein.”
“Thierry Henry was a player I really wanted to learn from and as soon as I heard Arsenal were involved I thought I should go there and play with him.”
He added: “It was my dream to play with someone like that. You ask every child who will give you the opportunity to play with your child.” [dream] star, you're going to do it. For me it was an easy option.”
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