THE TRUTH HURTS BUT I HAVE NO REGRETS

Walcott suffered for his honesty last season but says he would do it all again

THEO WALCOTT discovered the hard way last season that honesty is not always the best policy.

team.

“When you’re trying to get back into the team, and the team’s winning, then it’s always going to be difficult.

“I’ve spoken to the manager, and maybe I will change my role in this formation slightly.

“I’m 28 now, I’ve dealt with competition down the years. I welcome it, it gets something out of you.

“You will see Alexandre coming in and other centre-forwards in the dressing room will be thinking, ‘Right, I need to step up.’ That’s always the way it is.”

Walcott said an England recall is not on his mind. “England is something I’m not focused on. If I’m playing and working hard for Arsenal that will come.

“My main priority is Arsenal. And first of all, it’s about getting fit.”

Walcott lost his place in Arsenal’s first XI, starting just one game after outspoken remarks in a TV interview following defeat at Crystal Palace in April.

The Arsenal winger admitted Palace “wanted it more” and that brought a stinging attack from Sky pundit Jamie Carragher.

Carragher accused Walcott of “looking after himself” and Arsene Wenger dropped him for a run-in which saw Arsenal go on an impressive winning run and lift the FA Cup.

But Walcott has no regrets about his honesty in front of the TV cameras.

He said: “I was captain for the day and no-one else was going to come out.

“I felt like I had to say something.

“There was a reaction and that’s what we wanted. There were a lot of unhappy faces in the dressing room. We all got together, worked hard and got results in the end.

“We just missed out on the top four, which was disappointing, but considering how it had gone through the season, it was fairly positive. But this season there has to be more.

“There’s no holding back now and there’s going to be a lot more pressure but I think we can deal with it.

“I’ve been around the game a long time and I say what’s on my mind.

“I just want what’s best for my team-mates, it’s as simple as that. However it was spun, whatever I said, it’s just the way it is. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

Walcott actually scored 19 goals last season but lost his England place under Gareth Southgate and now faces a new challenge at Arsenal.

The arrival of record £52million signing Alexandre Lacazette puts pressure on him, and a switch to the 3-4-2-1 system that does not require natural wingers hardly helps his claims.

But Walcott (right and below taking selfies on the Australia tour) insists the season ahead does not hold any fears for him as he made it clear he sees his future at Arsenal.

Walcott added: “I was disappointed with the way last season ended on a personal level but I was happy for the