THEO WALCOTT has hinted that Southampton’s relegation battle could cause him to retire.
The English forward – who will be 34-years-old in ten days time – even suggested he could step onto the other side of the press area with a career in football journalism.
Southampton are currently fighting for Premier League safety and are one point behind Leeds in 17th.
They are behind Everton as well in what has been a difficult season for the club.
Ralph Hasenhuttl was sacked and his replacement Nathan Jones did not last long with Ruben Selles taking charge until the end of the season.
Although there has been an improvement in recent weeks with two wins from the Saints’ last three games giving their Premier League survival hopes a boost.
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However, for Walcott, he has admitted that the season has taken its toll on him.
When asked when he could hang up his boots, he joked: “June and beyond? Goodness me, I might retire, who knows? This might retire me.
“We’ll see, I don’t know and I honestly have no idea. I’m very relaxed about what happens next beyond this season.
“I could be on your side of the fence talking to the players – who knows?”
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However, for the moment, Walcott insists he is focused on securing Southampton’s top-flight status.
He added: “I haven’t thought too far ahead, my main challenge is to keep this team up, help the players, help them learn some things from me and then I’ll make my decision.”
If he were to move into punditry he would join a long line of footballers to make the switch such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry to name a few.
Walcott has had a successful career in the Premier League as he won two FA Cups during his 12-year spell with Arsenal.
He also scored 78 goals in the Premier League and earned 47 caps with England.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
