Arsene Wenger: Ex-Arsenal Star Got The Reception He Deserved

Arsene Wenger was happy about the reception Theo Walcott received last month…

Arsene Wenger expressed his delight at the reception Theo Walcott received last month when he returned in an Everton shirt weeks after his departure.

One of the most everpresent players in the Wenger era, Walcott decided that he needed to seek pastures new in order to stand a chance of making the England squad this summer.

We sanctioned a move to Everton which was rumoured to be worth up to £25million, and Walcott returned to the Emirates before fans were even able to digest seeing him in a different search.

It was a nightmare return for the 29-year-old on the night, as we crushed Everton 5-0 in arguably our most accomplished performance in the league this season.

Walcott was subbed off midway through the second-half and the Emirates faithful definitely let their appreciation be known by giving him a wonderful standing ovation.

“I always say that players who did fight for our shirt and fought for our club, you ideally want them to be respected,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“All our fans knew that Theo did not leave because he had any problem with Arsenal. It was just because he wanted to play and wanted to give himself a chance because he didn’t get enough games here.

“Today, people are informed and you don’t fool them. Theo is experienced, is a real Arsenal lover and is a guy who always respected the fans and the club. It was completely justified and I’m very happy that he got a great reception.”

Regardless of what some might say about Theo Walcott’s time at Arsenal, he’s etched in our club’s history as a select few who’ve reached 100 goals in all competitions.

source: Arsenal Player