Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has shared one memory about one of his ex-teammates which highlights his quality.
Theo Walcott played alongside many club icons in his lengthy Arsenal career.
The wide man joined the North London club in January 2006, and remained on the books at Arsenal until January 2018. In that time, the forward made 397 appearances, scoring 108 goals, across all competitions.
The 47-cap former England international featured alongside a number of modern Arsenal greats. He shared a pitch with the likes of Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto Silva, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, and Mesut Ozil, amongst others.
Walcott also played regularly with Alexis Sanchez, when the Chilean was at his brilliant best for the Gunners.
Theo Walcott recalls Alexis Sanchez memory from Arsenal training
Alexis arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Barcelona in the summer of 2014. He went on to make 166 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, and racked up 80 goals. He won two FA Cups and was the club’s talismanic attacking talent.
Whilst his relationship with Arsenal fans was soured in January 2018, when he left the club to join Manchester United, it should not be forgotten how good Alexis was for Arsenal at his best. The 35-year-old has never been able to rediscover that level in his game since leaving the club and was a flop at Old Trafford. However, he has since enjoyed success with Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles, amongst numerous other honours.
Walcott has now shared a story about Alexis, from the time they shared at Arsenal, that underlines the latter’s talent. Speaking in a clip posted to the official Arsenal Instagram page, the ex-winger said: “I remember he always, in training, he used to do stepovers with weights on his ankles. His stepovers were quick anyway.”
Is Bukayo Saka the new Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal?
Alexis was a special player, and his good times at Arsenal deserve to be remembered. He was one of the most exciting and brilliant players to have represented the club in the Emirates Stadium era.
In Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta may well have found the club’s next Alexis. The Hale End academy graduate is a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium. He was the Gunners’ most potent attacking player this season, contributing 20 goals and 14 assists, across all competitions.
Iconic former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes that Saka is “world-class,” and like Alexis, the 22-year-old is capable of producing a moment of magic when his side need one most.