SAINTS veteran Theo Walcott has confirmed his exit from the club following the conclusion of the season and thanked supporters.
Walcott, 34, has made 81 appearances for the St Mary’s since his debut as a 16 year old in 2005, ahead of the final match of the 2022-23 campaign against Liverpool on Sunday.
Saints have been relegated out of the Premier League and Walcott, who scored twice in the league this season, will leave on a free transfer but confirms his intention to continue playing football.
In a message on social media, Walcott said: “Today marks my last appearance in a Saints shirt and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at Southampton - it’s a fantastic club with incredible people.
“I am really disappointed for the fans that we weren’t able to stay in the Premier League this season, but I am certain the club will be back there again soon.
“Thanks to all of you for your support right back to my debut aged 16 years old. I would like to wish the team and fans every success for the future. My aim is to continue playing and I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”
Today marks my last appearance in a Saints shirt and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at @SouthamptonFC - it’s a fantastic club with incredible people.
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 28, 2023
I am really disappointed for the fans that we weren’t able to stay in the Premier League this season, but I… pic.twitter.com/vZQS6RBIXd