Transfer News: Everton’s Veteran Winger Cherishes Return To Southampton

Theo Walcott is set to leave Everton for a loan to his former club Southampton. The veteran winger shared that this is one moment that he’ll cherish as a professional athlete.

“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,” Walcott said, The Guardian reported.

“It’s in my heart. I will probably cry, I bet, when I first play, and it means so much,” he added.

Throughout Walcott’s career, he has played for several clubs, mostly as a right-winger. The 31-year-old was a member of the Southampton youth squad back in 2000 and eventually joined the first team in 2005. While there, he grew as a prospect, then further developed into a consistent player on the field. In 2006, he moved on and transferred to Arsenal, where he played for more than a decade before joining Everton in 2018.

In 398 appearances with the Gunners, he’s netted 108 goals and tallied 78 assists. Now, as a veteran on the field, he’s set to return to the Saints and provide leadership for the squad.

“All the people that made this move happen, I can’t thank them enough. Honestly, I’m so pleased,” Walcott shared.

“I was seriously lost for words when Southampton came on the table and for me, it was such an easy decision,” he continued.

With Walcott moving back to his former team, Everton continues to make adjustments to its roster. The Toffees signed 22-year-old rising star Ben Godfrey as a key contributor to its plans to win more titles in the near future.

“It is an honor to sign for Everton and to be part of a huge club. The aim for me at Everton is to win trophies and win games. I like to win. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care and I am a passionate lad,” Godfrey said.

Southampton currently ranks 11th in the Premier League standings. In the four games the club has played, Southampton won two matches but also lost twice.

Southampton's Oct. 25 matchup will be a battle of Walcott’s squads as the club faces Everton at St. Mary’s Stadium.