Theo Walcott, one of the most promising young English players of his generation, announced his retirement from professional football on Friday at the age of 34.
The winger scored 129 goals in 560 club games for Southampton, where he began and concluded his career, Arsenal, and Everton over an 18-year senior career.
He was controversially named to England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's team for the 2006 World Cup despite having never played for his country.
But he went on to become the youngest player to represent England in a senior men's international and to score a hat-trick for the national team at the age of 19.
Walcott, whose career was marred by injury, scored eight goals in 47 England appearances.
"The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me," Walcott wrote on Instagram.
"The support shown to me throughout this time has been incredible in every way imaginable and I am truly grateful. I've shared the football pitch with so many incredible players and we have created so many unforgettable memories."
(With inputs from AFP)
