"It was sad but it's exciting at the same time and I want to reignite my career and push Everton to win things as they have done before. "The manager is very hungry and it's just what I need. I've had a couple of chats with him and straightaway I felt that hunger and that desire that he wanted from me." Walcott scored 108 goals in 397 matches for Arsenal in total since joining them from Southampton in 2006. He becomes Sam Allardyce's second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun. Speaking last Friday, Allardyce said: "Theo's not as risky (as Tosun) because he's proven. He's scored 100 goals for Arsenal from wide positions as well as many assists.? 397 appearances ⚽️ 108 goals ?️ 78 assists ? 3 FA Cups
Theo Walcott says goodbye to Arsenal after 12 years. #AFC pic.twitter.com/BcSLbbgjg2— Goal UK (@GoalUK) January 17, 2018
"His pace is one of his key strengths which we lack in this squad. His assists are pretty good as well as his goals. "We are short of goals so to add power in our goalscoring ability would be very important for me." In a statement, Arsenal said: "We all thank Theo for his contribution to the club and wish him well for the future." Wenger admitted recently that he did not want Walcott to leave. But he said he could not guarantee the England international playing time, which was a sensitive issue for Walcott as he tries to win a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the World Cup in Russia later this year.Best of luck on your new journey @theowalcott! Gonna miss all those pre-season races ?? pic.twitter.com/sWOqPPT69g
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) January 17, 2018
Walcott, who has 47 England caps, has not featured for his country since the friendly against Spain in November 2016. He was infamously called up for England's 2006 World Cup squad by boss Sven Goran Eriksson before he had even made his Arsenal debut, but did not make a single appearance at the tournament in Germany. "I've come to Everton because I want the club to push to the next level," Walcott added in what will be perceived as a swipe at his old club. "The club has won trophies but I want them to win trophies now. "I'm dead excited and I just want to do what I do best which is playing football and expressing myself because I'm excited again, I really am."Happy to confirm I have today joined @everton ?⚪ #EFC pic.twitter.com/BSoTJgRXq2
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) January 17, 2018