Theo Walcott has explained how Wayne Rooney convinced him to join Everton.
Walcott, 28, completed a £20 million transfer to Goodison Park from Arsenal, penning a three-and-a-half-year contract.
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The England international was attracting plenty of interest before opting to join Everton, with boyhood club Southampton also keeping tabs on his services.
But Rooney was able to lure Walcott to Merseyside following their chats.
"I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton," Walcott told Everton tv via Sky Sports.
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"He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up. Those are the reasons I came here.
"This is a club with great history. The fans are brilliant, they are always passionate... and I used to find it very tough playing here
"You want to be part of something and Wayne feels Everton are really going to improve.
Walcott weighed in with 19 goals in all competitions for Arsenal, last season.
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And he's hoping to replicate that goal scoring form at Everton, ahead of the second half of the season.
"I was very proud of what I did last season - scoring 19 goals. I want to bring that [scoring form] to Everton Football Club. I want to be part of the attacking force that is here.
"It always comes down to hard work and I think the manager here will get the best out of all the players.
"I just want to play football and enjoy it again. I feel this move will make that happen.
Walcott in action for Arsenal during the Europa League. Image: PA
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He's also spoke about the managerial arrival of Sam Allardyce.
"With Sam coming in, his start was fantastic. There has been a little dip - but that happens and it is how you get out of that which makes you stronger. I feel like the players have got a point to prove, I have got a point to prove and it is going to get the best out of us, I am sure.
"I feel like I can add value in any of the front-line positions. The manager will pick the team depending on who we play against. He sees me more on the right, but I can play in any of those positions. A lot of those 19 goals I scored I was playing on the right.
"I think this is going to be brilliant for me. I want to be a part of the atmosphere here and try to build something special. This is a special place to play football and the old traditions are great," he added.
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How will Walcott fare at Everton? Let us know.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Everton, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney
