• Premier League

Walcott: We should be going for the title

ESPN staff
July 20, 2013
Theo Walcott © PA Photos
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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott says he will enter next season full of confidence after enjoying a watershed campaign last term.

Walcott led the Gunners' new-look forward line following the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, and the England international says he is poised to carry on that form.

Walcott said in The Sun: "Last season was definitely my best for Arsenal. I was the club's top scorer with 21 goals and not many people were expecting that. But it wasn't just about the goals. I was also very happy with my overall game, the assists I made and the consistency of my displays.

"What made it particularly satisfying was that I was able to play like that despite all the pressure of the contract situation at that time. The three weeks before the contract was sorted out in January were the most stressful of my career.

"I always knew where I wanted to be but all the uncertainty and questions about my future made things so difficult.

"When you haven't got long left on your contract, it would be easy to just go through the motions and make sure you don't get injured.

"But that's not the way I do things. My view was that I'd work hard and keep helping the team to win so that, when it came to contract talks, I'd be rewarded.

"So I managed to block out all the pressure and keep focused on my football. I got through it without it affecting my form - but it was still a huge weight off my shoulders when everything was finally sorted.

"I'm sure the fans were just as happy because they were also going through a lot of stress thinking about what would happen if another player was to leave Arsenal. But now that's all in the past and I want to push on and help this club to where I believe we should be.

"We shouldn't be just challenging for a Champions League spot. We should be going for the title."

Currently in Japan on a pre-season tour, Arsenal will commence their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 17.

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