Theo Walcott has explained why he chose to sign for Everton this week, revealing Wayne Rooney helped to convince him to move to Goodison Park.

After failing to start a single Premier League game for Arsenal this season, Theo decided that it was time to move on. His permanent move to Everton was finally announced at 5pm on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old aims to reignite his career with his switch to the Toffees, and thanks to advice from former England teammate Wayne Rooney, he reckons they’re a club on the up.

“It felt like it was time for me to move on,” said Theo. “It was sad, but it’s exciting at the same time. I want to reignite my career and push Everton to win things as they have done before. I want to be part of something and I feel like this place will offer me that.”

He added: “I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor, which really tempted me to come to Everton. He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up. Those are the reasons I came here.”

After 12 years in north London, the decision to finally leave probably wasn’t an easy one. It was the best step for Theo if he wants a chance to get into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup this summer but that doesn’t mean he would have taken it lightly.

https://twitter.com/theowalcott/status/953745403824033792

Theo signed from Southampton in 2006 and went on to feature in 397 games. He scored 108 goals and provided 77 assists. More importantly, he always bounced back.

Injury after injury, setback after setback, goal drought after goal drought. And while he wasn’t good enough for Arsenal, there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t make it at Everton.

With more game time and less pressure, the forward could indeed reignite his stagnating career.

The Gunners reportedly received £20m for Theo, which isn’t bad considering he only had 18 months left on his contract and has only featured six times in the Premier League this term.