“Arteta locked us in the dressing room, it was like he was the manager” ⚽ Theo Walcott | Up Front

1 year ago

On today’s episode, we are joined by a former Arsenal favourite who is 1 of only 8 players to score over 100 goals for the club. Theo Walcott shot to fame at 16 when he signed for Arsenal in 2006, and his profile soared further when he was called up for England for the 2006 World Cup six months later. Upon his signing, he was widely tipped for greatness with comparisons to Thierry Henry. To go along with the goals, Theo won multiple FA Cups during his time in North London, whether that number is 2 or 3 is a point of debate in this very conversation.

Theo joins Simon in Frankfurt, Germany to discuss his career, from his rapid rise in professional football to his time at Arsenal and England. He shares what playing under Arsene Wenger in a transitional period in the club’s history was like. Theo also provides insights on Mikel Arteta, highlighting the traits he saw in him as a player that have contributed to his success as a manager, while also touching on the current England squad and their chances at EURO 2024.

00:00 Introduction to Walcott

01:02 Walcott’s journey

08:03 Southampton Academy

15:33 Harry Redknapp giving him his debut

17:55 Joining Arsenal & Arsène Wenger

26:38 Taking Henry’s shirt number

29:11 Chasing Top 4 & his personal ambition

34:12 The culture changing at Arsenal / Mesut Özil

39:49 Did he challenge Wenger?

41:24 Mikel Arteta

46:57 Playing through the middle

50:12 Does he look at his time at Arsenal as a success?