Theo Walcott, the former winger of Arsenal and the English national football team, has retired at 34, the player announced on social media on Friday.

"The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me," Walcott wrote. "From playing in the park with friends to performing in some of the biggest stadiums in front of huge crowds across the world. The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable, and I am truly grateful."

As one of the most highly rated youth products of Southampton's academy at the time, Walcott joined Arsenal in 2006, when he was only 16. He spent the following 12 years as a Gunner, scoring 108 goals and providing 80 assists in 397 games. He helped the club win two FA Cups in the 2014-15 and the 2016-17 seasons, in addition to two FA Community Shield trophies.

Walcott's speed made him a sharp penetrator, especially from the right wing, but he also possessed good enough scoring ability to move to the middle. He was called up by the English national team for a friendly with Hungary at Old Trafford in 2006, when he was 17, becoming the youngest-ever member of the Three Lions.

That year, he was famously included in England's squad for the World Cup in Germany, though he did not get an opportunity to play during the tournament. Walcott scored eight goals in 47 games for England.

Nonetheless, injuries hampered Walcott, hurting his legs continuously, damaging his speed and even ruling him out of the national team for the FIFA World Cup in 2014. He moved from Arsenal to Everton in 2018. Two years later, he joined Southampton, first on loan and then on a permanent basis, before deciding to end his career.

"I've shared the football pitch with so many incredible players, and we have created so many unforgettable memories," Walcott wrote in his post. "I would like to say a big thank you to all the managers and coaches I've worked with, especially Harry [Redknapp] for giving me the start [at Southampton] and Arsene [Wenger] for showing belief and support to me when I joined [Arsenal] at only 16 years old."