Arsene Wenger paid tribute to Theo Walcott after the 28-year-old moved to Everton this week.

Walcott joined the Toffees after a near 12-year spell with the Gunners. He made 397 appearances for the Gunners and scored 108 goals.

Wenger seemed disappointed to lose the Englishman as a person, as well as a footballer. He told a press conference: “Personally I’m very attached to Theo, because he’s a person who is intelligent, has complete integrity, total commitment and focus on his job.

“I remember he arrived here at the age of 16 and went to the World Cup straight away. Of course when you look back, he’s scored important goals in big games.

Theo Walcott Everton
Theo Walcott joined Everton on Wednesday.

“We speak about cup finals or Champions League games, or the local derbies, where he put in outstanding performances against Tottenham.

“I just regret what happened but he didn’t play enough recently. I wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for us. He will always be welcome here.”

The winger’s come a long way since his debut for the Gunners all those years ago. In his first season at the club he scored just the one goal in 32 matches.

Last season, he managed 19 from the wing in all competitions. Although some say he never reached his potential, it’s hard to argue with 108 goals for Arsenal.

The former Gunner also had to deal with a number of injury problems. Walcott suffered 14 injuries, with Arsenal keeping him out for up to 38 games at a time. The worst of those injuries came when the winger was on the back of his best ever season.

That kind of bad luck shaped his career, but hopefully also helped him grow as a person. Like Jack Wilshere, he’s shown his character in the way he’s always bounced back from problems.

Now he can take all that experience and knowledge and put it to good use at Everton. Good luck to him!