• Premier League

Walcott never wanted to leave Arsenal

ESPN staff
January 21, 2013
Theo Walcott is looking to kick up a gear at Arsenal © Getty Images
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Having committed his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new deal, Theo Walcott has insisted he never wanted to leave the club.

England international Walcott's future had been a hot topic of debate since the summer, as he had entered the final year of his contract with no fresh agreement in place.

The forward could have wound down his contract and left for free in the summer, while there had been talk of transfers to Liverpool and Manchester United.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had been steadfast in his belief that Walcott would sign a new deal and he was vindicated at the end of last week.

Walcott has admitted his relief that the deal is done and claimed his focus had always been on staying with Arsenal.

"I am very pleased," Walcott told Arsenal Player. "For the last three games before [the Chelsea match] it was sort of done, but it was on my mind and had been for a long time because it was so close.

"It is difficult to play and block out that side of it, but I tried to do the best I could and hopefully everyone was happy with what I did. I always wanted to stay and I am happy that myself and the club have come to an agreement.

"There has been so much speculation for so long, and I am very pleased my future is sorted. But it is all about the present now."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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