Sports
“I want to experience life” – Theo Walcott speaks on why he retired from football at age 34
Former Arsenal player, Theo Walcott has disclosed that he decided to retire from professional football because he wants to “experience life”.
The 34-year-old England international who followed Southampton down into relegation last season, admitted that leaving football is a scary choice but he wants to experience other things in life.
Theo Walcott who started his professional football career at Arsenal after graduating from Southampton’s academy, made 397 Premier League appearances throughout a 23-year football career. He scored a total of 80 league goals and provided 56 assists for Arsenal, Everton, and Southampton.
In his 13 years at Arsenal, the once best football talent in the world, managed to win three FA Cup titles and two Community Shields.
He announced himself on the world stage when former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson took him to the 2006 FIFA World Cup at just 17 years old.
During his ten-year international career, Theo Walcott played 47 times for England and scored eight goals.
Walcott played 20 times in the Premier League and scored three goals for Southampton last season which were not enough to keep the team in the elite division. He claims he received offers from several clubs to continue playing, but his “heart isn’t committed” to it, and had to retire from the game.
“I’m officially going to be hanging up my boots. It’s very scary, I can’t lie,” Theo Walcott told Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast
“It’s scary because football’s all I’ve known from the age of 16 or even younger. I want to try new things I never experienced as a kid – I missed out on a lot.
“I just feel like I want to experience life – things [usually] revolve around football for me.”
Walcott added, “I’ve had offers abroad and from some very good Championship teams. There’s been some Saudi offers but it’s not where I see myself playing, to be honest.
“Nothing against the money or the league but if my heart isn’t into playing football it’s not fair on the clubs, not fair on me.”
Sports
Messi may lose half of his wealth as him and his wife, Antonela, reportedly set to divorce each other
Football legend Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, are reportedly heading for a divorce, according to emerging online reports.
Speculation was sparked by Cuban astrologer Mhoni Vidente, who boldly claimed on live television that Messi had been “flirtatious” and was romantically involved with another woman.
Although the claims remain unconfirmed, they have sparked widespread discussion about the potential financial implications of a separation for the football icon, according to La República.
With an estimated net worth of $650 million as of 2025, Messi could potentially lose a substantial part of his fortune if Antonela were to file for divorce.
Married in 2017 and parents to three sons, the couple has long been regarded as one of football’s most admired and enduring power couples.
Messi boasts an impressive real estate portfolio that stretches across continents. In Miami, the Argentine football star owns a luxurious waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive Bay Colony neighborhood, reportedly worth several million dollars, according to Zonal Sports.
The mansion features eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a spa, and a private fishing pier, offering the ultimate blend of luxury and comfort.
Messi also owns luxury apartments in the Porsche Design Tower and Regalia Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, each valued in the $5 – $7 million range, Finance Monthly reports.
Lionel Messi has purchased a $10.75 million waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale.
• 10,500 square feet
• 10 beds / 9 baths
• 170 feet of waterfront
• Pool and two docksThe home is 15 minutes from Inter Miami’s stadium. pic.twitter.com/Jcifk9usZD
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 12, 2023
In Spain, Messi’s Castelldefels mansion near Barcelona includes a private football pitch, swimming pool, and home theatre. Meanwhile, in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, he owns “La Fortaleza,” a custom-built dream estate designed for his retirement.
📸 Lionel Messi celebrating his wife Antonela’s birthday in style! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tIgUhwHNbg
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) February 27, 2025
Messi’s prized real estate assets also include a lavish $11 million villa in Ibiza and a luxury hotel chain, MiM Hotels. Operated under the Majestic Hotel Group, the five-star chain reportedly generates over $400 million in monthly revenue.
Beyond real estate, Messi has expanded his empire into fashion and tech. He runs The Messi Store, a clothing line headed by Ginny Hilfiger, and also produces signature wines under his “Leo” and “L10” labels. In the tech space, his investment firm, Play Time Sports-Tech, supports major ventures in Silicon Valley and oversees the growth of his global brand.
If divorce proceedings move forward, Antonela could also have a claim to Messi’s luxury car collection—which includes high-end brands like Ferrari, Lexus, and Range Rover—as well as his $15 million Gulfstream private jet.
Leo Messi has just bought a £15m private jet. The footsteps contain the names of his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/VJa0IqMhRD
— PurelyFootball ℗ (@PurelyFootball) December 11, 2018
Messi’s array of luxurious cars include: Cadillac Escalade: a high-performance SUV costing around €100,000.
Range Rover Evoque: a premium SUV costing around €50,000
Range Rover: the stronger variant Priced around €125,000 Lexus LX570: valued at €100,000
Ferrari F430 Spider: a vintage car available at around €180,000
Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale: valued at €180,000
Mini Cabrio: a thrilling and fun addition to his collection costing €50,000.
With such a vast and diverse portfolio of assets and income streams, a potential divorce could carry major financial consequences for Messi. Although the couple has yet to confirm the rumours, the stakes are undeniably high should they prove true.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
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