Abhay Singh
Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal star and regular England fixture, expressed his preference for playing alongside Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015.
“I’d probably go Messi”
Walcott chose Messi over Ronaldo after considering the choice by YouTube channel Spencer FC, citing his left foot playmaking ability as a complement to his own style of play.
He said “I’d probably go Messi. As he’s left-footed, he’s got that sort of shape to give the ball for my runs in behind. That would suit my play style better than Ronaldo,”
Walcott, signed by Arsene Wenger at 17, had a 12-year spell with Arsenal, making 397 appearances and scoring 108 goals. He moved to Everton in 2018 before returning to Southampton, his childhood club, where he made 59 appearances over three seasons.
Walcott announced his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Walcott also made history with the England men’s team when he made his debut at the age of 17, becoming the country’s youngest player. Overall, he appeared 47 times for the Three Lions and scored eight goals.
Walcott has remained involved with Arsenal off the pitch
Walcott has continued to be connected with Arsenal off the field since he retired last year. He even went on the team’s preseason tour of the United States.
Walcott thinks that Mikel Arteta’s club is finally ready to lift the Premier League championship, saying that they are prepared and ready to dethrone Manchester City.
He said “I was with them in pre-season. I’ve seen how structured they are as a unit and, mentally, the way Mikel has hammered his team. I feel like it’s going to be third time lucky. I feel like they want it more and they are ready.”
He also added “I just feel like they’re more equipped as a structure. They’ve learned a lot. They have got a few more experienced players that know the hurt and I just feel like this year could well be their year.”
On Saturday, August 24, at Villa Park, Arsenal will play Aston Villa in the Premier League. On August 31, they will play Brighton & Hove Albion.
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