THEO: I AM GUNNER CELEBRATE IF I SCORE

Walcott is desperate to show Arsenal fans he made right move

THEO WALCOTT admits he had fallen out of love with football when he left Arsenal.

But nine months later, the forward’s passion for the game has never been stronger as he is relishing a new lease of life with Everton.

Walcott returns to the Emirates tomorrow more convinced than ever that he has made the right move to the right club at the right time.

In fact, Walcott – who had 12 years at Arsenal – believes Everton are on the cusp of something really special under new boss Marco Silva, even insisting they have the potential to overtake his old club.

“I wasn’t enjoying it. I was frustrated, I wasn’t playing,” said Walcott, recalling the end of his time at Arsenal before his £20m move last January.

“Having spent so much time there, done so well, it does hurt, but that’s gone now. I had great times, but I feel like I’m going to have even greater times here, I really do.

“I also feel like I’m playing with a smile on my face. If I’m doing that then the best will come out.”

Walcott, 29, has already gone back to the Emirates, when Everton were thrashed 5-1 just weeks after he had made the switch.

He was given a remarkable welcome by the Arsenal fans, but by his own admission that felt “too soon” and he – and indeed Everton – did not do themselves justice.

This time Walcott has got his feet under the table, his family have moved to the north west, and he heads back to Arsenal with enough confidence to think about what he will do if he scores against his old club.

“Yeah, I would celebrate. I think the Arsenal fans will respect that as well,” added Walcott (below).

“I scored against another old club Southampton a few times and I celebrated. Why can you not enjoy scoring and celebrating a goal for your new team with your fans? They have travelled all that way, enjoy it, simple as that.

“Some players choose not to and that’s fine, but it’s just who I am – celebrate scoring goals, it’s a great feeling. I believe that the football we are playing and the way the boss can take us is above Arsenal and more.

“That’s the reason I joined, with the young talent coming through and the signings. I feel like we’re nearly there, I really do.”

After 47 caps, he refuses to give up on getting a recall for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

He said: “Gareth has said in the past he will choose players based on performances.

“And who wouldn’t want to play for

England?”