‘I silence my critics on the pitch’
Theo Walcott, football star for Arsenal and England and now the ‘partnership ambassador’ for Discovery’s wellness partners programme, tells Thekiso Anthony Lefifi about the pros and cons of fame and fortune
What would you be doing if you were not a football player?
I probably would have gone into athletics and taken the 100m and 200m [races] a bit more seriously, or maybe even studied to be a physical education teacher, given how much I love sport. Plus, I think working with kids in sport would also be really enjoyable.
Did you have any other jobs before you went into football?
I started in football quite young, but I had some work experience. I wanted to work in a golf shop, but I could not do that, so I ended up working in Oxfam in the middle of Newbury, England.
Has fame ever affected you negatively?
I just do not let it affect me, I get on with it and if I want to do things I just do them. You can not let people on the outside stop
you from doing what you want.
What are your thoughts on the big transfer fees that football clubs pay for players?
People put pressure on the players because it is obviously a considerable amount of money. But to be honest, it is not their decision — it is the clubs who come in with that amount of money based on how much they want [the players]; so for the players, there is sometimes a lot of pressure that comes with such big transfer fees.
What has been the highlight of your career?
It is hard to choose, but probably my hat-trick for England against Croatia, which made me the youngest player to score a senior hat-trick for England.
What are your thoughts on the American football league? Would you play there?
It is getting bigger and the fact that it is being shown on TV in the UK means that more people will see it here — which can only be a good thing. I think David Beckham going over definitely helped raise the profile a bit as he is obviously one of the biggest players we have ever had in England. So yes, I think it could be a place I would consider when I am older. With more and more players going over there, it is definitely going the right way, so never say never, I guess.
What is your advice to youngsters starting out?
My advice would probably be that you need to have a good, positive attitude and be determined to improve in training every day, but also mainly to just enjoy it. That is a really important thing as you need to be prepared to make sacrifices, as there are plenty, but you have to work hard to be able to enjoy yourself.
How do you deal with egos?
I usually find I get on with most people. So I will deal with anyone, but it is good as there are not really any of those in our dressing room. It is something I can deal with if I do ever come across it, though.
How do you deal with criticism?
I tend to listen to the right people in my career — coaches, the manager, teammates, family — as they are the most important people to listen to. I think the best way to deal with criticism is to go out there and show what you can do on the pitch. There is no point getting drawn into reacting; just go out and silence people on the pitch.
Many players seem to become soccer analysts on sports shows once they retire. Do you think this is something you would like to do?
Yes, maybe probably more so than being a manager. I have had a bit of experience doing it already with England games on TV, and it is something I feel quite comfortable doing — so yes, it is definitely something I think I would consider.
How important is financial literacy to you?
I think you always have to be looking at the future, especially when you have a family, and what you are doing to look after them.