Walcott has finalised a move back to the club where he began his professional career
Tuesday 6 October 2020 08:57, UK
Theo Walcott has returned to his boyhood club Southampton on a season-long loan move from Everton.
The winger, who holds 47 England caps, passed his medical on Monday afternoon and will spend the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign at St Mary's Stadium.
Walcott joined Southampton's youth ranks in 2000, and scored five times in 22 appearances before moving to Arsenal in 2006.
He arrived at Everton for a fee of around £20m in January 2018 and has gone on to play 85 times for the club, but only played 12 minutes this season.
"I've been looking after myself," Walcott told Sky Sports News. "I've not been able to get the minutes in but the competition is very high and obviously Everton have started off very well.
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"I just felt like it was time for me to play football elsewhere. I can't thank Everton and Southampton enough for getting this done.
"I want to work hard and try to get Southampton to that next level. With my old head I can help the young players coming through as well."
Walcott admits a return to the South Coast is an emotional one, saying: "I had a few opportunities from other clubs, but as soon as Southampton came in for me, it's part of me and has made me into the player I am. It's in my heart.
"I will probably cry, I bet, when I first play, and it means so much. All the people that made it happen, I can't thank them enough. Honestly, I'm so pleased.
"I was seriously lost for words when Southampton came on the table, and for me it was such an easy decision.
"To get the chance to work with the manager as well and these young players that are coming through, I feel like I've made the right choice."
Walcott has a year remaining on his current deal at Goodison Park but is not integral to Carlo Ancelotti's plans this season.
Everton have recruited strongly this summer with the additions of James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ben Godfrey and Niels Nkounkou.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl added: "There is a lot of history between this club and Theo, so I know how special this will be for him and for our supporters.
"But what is most important to me is that we have signed a player who can help our squad and give us another strong option in our attack.
"Theo is someone who has all the qualities to fit well into our team and our style of play, and I know from speaking to him that he understands what we want and that he is excited to be a part of what we are doing here.
"His experience and influence will also be important for our young players. The idea is not to block their development, but for this to make it faster. From this professional they can learn and grow as players for the future of our club."
