Theo - Arsenal is my second home

Theo Walcott is delighted to have extended his stay at his “second home” of Arsenal.

The England forward signed a new contract last week after helping the Gunners lift a record 12th FA Cup with the opening goal against Aston Villa in last season's final.

Walcott is the club's longest-serving current player and remains confident of achieving even more success in the coming years.

“It’s nice to get things resolved before the start of the season,” he told Arsenal Player. “I’ve always enjoyed playing for this club, I love this club. I’ve been here nearly 10 years now and it’s my second home.

“The manager has been fantastic to me. The players, the coaching staff, everyone at the club itself, the people that you don’t see on the inside and, most importantly, the fans have all been amazing.

“The Emirates is a great stadium to play your football in and this team is very special. I think we can go places this year and move on from the success of the FA Cup. I want to be a part of that.”

Theo - How Sol 'welcomed' me to Arsenal

Santi Cazorla also signed a new contract last week and Walcott has revealed how important it is for Arsenal to keep their squad together.

“My little buddy Santi!,” he said. "Looking at his stats, assist-wise he has been among the best in the Premier League for the last four years. Having him in the team [is great].

"He’s blessed, he’s a fantastic player and can play left or right footed. To continue playing football with him is a nice partnership.

“[Solidarity] is the sign of a successful team. When players stay and stick together you see the success come out. You look at the old Manchester United and Arsenal sides and they were teams who stayed together. They just built on success after every year.

“That’s what I want to be part of and that’s what I think I can be part of because this club deserves to be there. It’s a massive club and we should be winning things every year. I believe that we will. That’s the sense in the dressing room and everyone is completely ready, confident and ready for the season.”