Former England forward Theo Walcott retires aged 34

Theo Walcott has decided to retire after an 18-year career as a professional footballer.

Walcott ends his career after playing over 560 games for Southampton, Arsenal and Everton, scoring 129 goals.

He was famously named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the 2006 World Cup without having played for England and stills holds the record of being the country's youngest-ever player.

Walcott also became the youngest player to claim an England hat-trick at the age of 19 and went on to score eight goals in 47 appearances for his country.

"The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me," Walcott wrote on Instagram.

"The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable and I am truly grateful. I've shared the football pitch with so many incredible players and we have created so many unforgettable memories."

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