Theo Walcott says as he wants to stay at Arsenal, and that the delay over a new contract is not due to money but is for “football reasons”.
In an interview to publicise the Mars Just Play initiative, Walcott stressed that he does not want to Arsenal and reiterated that he still aims to become a “club legend” like Thierry Henry.
“It’s a slow process,” Walcott said. “My last contract took over six months to happen. Hopefully it can be sorted out.
“I’ve never said I wanted to go, I’ve always wanted to stay. I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me. I’ve played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it’s about time.
“That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That’s not me. I’m not the sort of person who’s influenced by money. I always make my decisions based on football and only football. Hopefully something can be sorted out. I’ll just wait for the club to get back to us now and go from there.
“It’s one of those things that happens in the game. If it comes to it, if the club had to sell me, I’d be disappointed but, like I said, hopefully something can be sorted.”
So if I am reading between the lines correctly, it sounds like Walcott has told Arsene Wenger that he wants a more central attacking role and that Wenger seems him more out wide. Is that right?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Try him in lesser challenges let him prove himself. It might just shock us all.
Lets giv him more tym 2 mak up his mind & prof shud giv him more attacking role
it will a good oppourtunity for wenger and arsenal if walcot colud pick from central attaker
We have capital cup on wens,let him play no.9 n if he doesnt perform,let him shut up n sign contract n start fighting for his place.
Try the boy and i hope the boy have alot for the team.
Players can’t be dictating where they want to play or not, that’s what managers are for.
Walcott submission is a face saving statement. He thought he would be the only striker left so that he could hold the club to ransom. He never expected that Wenger would sign good players. He is a parley of RVP and they both planned to leave one after the other but for him,the plan has backfired. He either signs or go as he cannot dictate to the coach where to play him. As it is now he appears to be surplus to requirements.
I think Walcott should take up a more central role because he is a better goal scorer than Gervinho.
walcot shd go n sit down, does he think its by running uncontrollable speed. who is he to dictate to the prof. wen the time comes he will get his chanc, so he shd concentrate on improving his current position n giving quality crosses.
Some players, including Carzola, Arteta, Podolski and even Ox-Chamberlain have the attitude “I`ll play where ever the boss wants me to, just so long as I play”. Walcott is entitled to ask but not demand. From a fans view point it seems reasonable to give him a go in the middle but Wenger is the manager/coach who is with them every day, so who are we to suggest how he selects his team and players?
Prof should give walcott d opportinuty to play the central role position
It would be criminal to let Walcott leave without giving him a crack at his preferred position first.