World News – GB – I’m not here to get up – Walcott

Theo Walcott is back in training at Southampton after more than a decade away from St Mary’s

Southampton forward on loan Theo Walcott says he is ‘not here to pick me up’ after returning to his childhood club 14 years after leaving

Walcott, 31, re-signed for Saints for the remainder of this Everton season on transfer deadline day

The England winger described himself as « excited », adding that he « looked forward to playing again » at St Mary’s

« I looked down at the badge and it reminds me of when I was a kid I feel like 16 again, » Walcott said

Speaking to Steve Crossman of BBC Radio 5 Live, he added: « I am grateful that both clubs were able to make it happen

« I am not coming here to pick myself up, I am here to work hard, play and help »

Walcott, who has 46 caps in England, rose through the youth ranks at Southampton, entering the first team at the age of 16 when the club were in the league

He signed for Arsenal in 2006 and spent 12 years at Emirates Stadium, scoring 108 goals in 398 appearances, before moving to Everton in 2018

Fifteen years later, Walcottt puts on the shirt he first wore on his Southampton debut in 2005

Reflecting on an « emotional » return to the Saints, Walcott said he felt like he had « come full circle »

« It hasn’t really hit me yet When I play my first game it will hit me, » Walcott added, before Southampton moved to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday (kick off 3 p.m. BST )

« I put on the old shirt when I was doing my checkup and it was pretty surreal I want to make some new memories I want to be part of something special here »

Speaking of when he was told his return to the south coast of England was happening, Walcott said: « I couldn’t wait to make the call while still in the north Now I have a different trip and it’s mine

Theo Walcott, Arsenal FC, Southampton FC, Everton FC, Premier League