Theo Walcott has admitted that he fell out of love with football towards the end of his time at Arsenal.
Walcott, who returns to the Emirates on Sunday with new club Everton, was forced to make do with a reduced role during the end of his 12-year stint in north London.
And despite plenty of happy memories during his time with Arsenal, the winger has revealed that he was left feeling slightly sour by the way things ended.
'I wasn't enjoying it,' he told the Mirror. 'I'll be honest. I was frustrated, I wasn't playing, I didn't play a lot of the games.
'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 has quickly made the right-wing spot his own at Goodison since his January move, and will return to his former team on Sunday with renewed confidence of making an impact.
And asked if he would celebrate if he scored, the ex-Gunner said: 'Yeah, I would. I think the Arsenal fans will respect that as well. I scored against Southampton a few times and I celebrated, this season I scored against them 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.
'You're not going to go into the game thinking 'oh I don't want to win today, I'll let the other 10 in a blue shirt take this one because I used to play for Arsenal'. Just get on with it. I want to win.
'I genuinely believe, the football we are playing, the way the manager can take us is above Arsenal and more. That's the reason I joined the club, with the young talent coming through and the signings. I feel like we're nearly there, I really do.'
Cobry
0
who is Silva ??! the headline has nothing to do with the article..
The manager of Everton... Marco Silva
jabertz
0
Silly boy
Loobdeiu
1
Theo you are just dreaming [Asenal]
arvind0508
0
Everton Richarlison and Theo will teach Emery a lesson....
lol theo wasnt good enough to start at arsenal and now hes going to teach a lesson
viyabdko
0
arsenal have won more games in the premier league era than any other premier league team.let him for the weekend and how good is everton's form right now??hahaha Theo u just got a
exAsJose
0
who is Silva ??! the headline has nothing to do with the article..
aguntu
2
I wish you good luck Theo, but stop dreaming of going above Arsenal because that's not gonna happen. Though that's your wish. My blood is red.
Vasaioz
1
Arsenal miss you Theo Walcott
miss Walcott my foot
Barcelona-Arsenal
0
[Asenal] COYG
Huey_Difaranze
0
Good luck Theo. Stand warned that this ain't the Arsenal u used know......
It's never easy every time we meet Everton but are surely winning today
rahcdemntu
0
Good luck Theo. Stand warned that this ain't the Arsenal u used know......
I think Walcott have bad influence towards his compatriot team but surely it will be easy game for Arsenal
Witcenprs
2
Theo arsenal is going to turnish yr team tomorrow 4 - 1[Asenal][Asenal][Asenal][Asenal]
Huey_Difaranze
3
Good luck Theo. Stand warned that this ain't the Arsenal u used know......
diaaeip
1
Everton Richarlison and Theo will teach Emery a lesson....
Baaadnrs
1
the journey not yet Walcott, and you will carry five goals from arsenal into your Bus, back to Everton with tears[Asenal][Asenal][Asenal][Asenal][Asenal]from arsenal
emondorock
1
He couldnt score in a brothel!
Cristiankish
0
To think 5 years ago arsenals problem was walcott isnt putting in a shift, now its ozil is not putting in a shift, we are so much better off
ARAFAT7
1
What a traitor Walcot is!
actually
0
Even the players are delusional.
Footballfor
2
I am sure he will get a warm welcome and a cheer if he scores....well probably as long as Everton are losing
Brunoso
1
His goals and assists have hidden that fact from the majority of Arsenal fans for years.
Loudests
0
Walcott benefits from a team playing well, but is never to be found when the rest of the team isnt.
ointmentae
0
walcott is great when you are in control but the minute the game gets tough he is unlikely to show up
podkill
0
Wenger's persistence with Theo is part of what let to his downfall.
Bertrams
1
The guy brought bad luck to Arsenal, the day he became a 1st team regular, our decline started, for the majority of his stay here, we were playing with 10 men.
virginK
1
The guy is the quintessential "player with a loser mentality" and yet gives interviews about spirit, winning togetherness etc blah blah.
Daesewser
1
lesson no 1 for Everton fans: When Walcott speaks before a match, it's a dead cert you are going to lose...Place your bets now and thank me later.
Vikram95
1
I really doubt that Marco Silva is capable of such a feat . Despite being not that great a side in pretty sure that Emery's Arsenal will not finish below Everton
paybeknos
0
cop urself on walcott u cudnt make d grade at arsenal dats why ur wit a smaller club an in time u wont cut it there either arsenal way to big for u
royaltyking
1
lmao don’t make me laugh u won’t even get a chance to celebrate this weekend m8
Drukyul
0
Considering the play time opportunity Walcott is going to have, it is likely that he will find his best form and help the club. All the best Walcott!
ludfey
1
Arsenal miss you Theo Walcott
nope.
pineas_mp
1
wat a fu..ck is Walcott talking about Hw can Everton finish above arsenal.. stupid... I can't believe is the person that played his most football at arsenal saying dat...
zayadknsz
0
Arsenal miss you Theo Walcott
Bopaiu
0
thank for your inspirational advice