MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 10:43:36| >> :120:31125:31125:

Theo Walcott: 'Wayne Rooney convinced me to join Everton'

Walcott: 'Rooney convinced me to join'
© Offside
New Everton winger Theo Walcott reveals that Wayne Rooney convinced him to join the club from Arsenal.

New Everton signing Theo Walcott has revealed that Wayne Rooney was instrumental in convincing him to join the Toffees.

The 28-year-old ended speculation over his future by signing a three-and-a-half-year contract at Goodison Park on Wednesday, bringing an end to his 12-year stay at Arsenal in the process.

Walcott has now revealed that he discussed the switch with Rooney - who himself joined Everton after a long spell with Manchester United last summer - and is confident that it will be a "brilliant" move for him.

"I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton. He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up. Those are the reasons I came here. This is a club with great history. The fans are brilliant, they are always passionate... and I used to find it very tough playing here. You want to be part of something and Wayne feels Everton are really going to improve," he told EvertonTV.

"I was very proud of what I did last season - scoring 19 goals. I want to bring that [scoring form] to Everton Football Club. I want to be part of the attacking force that is here. It always comes down to hard work and I think the manager here will get the best out of all the players. I just want to play football and enjoy it again. I feel this move will make that happen.

"With Sam coming in, his start was fantastic. There has been a little dip - but that happens and it is how you get out of that which makes you stronger. I feel like the players have got a point to prove, I have got a point to prove and it is going to get the best out of us, I am sure.

"I believe I can add value in any of the front-line positions. The manager will pick his team depending on who we play against. He sees me more on the right, but I can play in any of those positions. A lot of those 19 goals I scored I was playing on the right. I think this is going to be brilliant for me. I want to be a part of the atmosphere here and try to build something special. This is a special place to play football and the old traditions are great."

Walcott could make his debut for Everton when they host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

ID:316507: cacheID:316507:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3295:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
New Everton boss Sam Allardyce is presented to the crowd ahead of the match with Huddersfield Town on December 2, 2017
Read Next:
Allardyce: 'Walcott signing is shrewd'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!