Boss - Theo’s gone from a boy to a man

Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott has gone from “a little boy” to a man during his time at the club.

The England international made his Arsenal debut nine years ago this week in the first competitive game at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger signed Walcott as a 16-year-old and has watched his charge develop both on and off the pitch.

“He has become very mature, he has gone through difficult periods so he is a very strong man,” the manager told Arsenal Player.

“He is a man today, when he arrived here he was a boy, a little boy who discovered a world where he did not know anything about it.

“Of course he had to go through bad injuries and disappointments and I believe he is a man today, a man who knows what he wants and has been faithful to our club. It was a great signing.”