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.”
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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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made a spectacular debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering an impressive performance in the women’s 200m event.
After a disappointing setback in the women’s 100m, Ofili showcased her resilience by clinching victory in her heat with a new season’s best time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday, August 4. The victory has qualified her for the 2024 Olympics 200m women’s semi-finals which will take place this evening.
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