A Grandmother for the Orphelines

By Natalie Savage Carlson

Book Overview

Theo Walcott burst onto the international scene as a 16-year-old wonder-kid in 2006, having been snapped up by Arsenal manager Ars?ne Wenger. A lightning-fast center forward, Walcott quickly became an indispensible part of the current Arsenal team, filling the void left by the legendary Thierry Henry. Born in Stanmore, North London, Walcott began his football career very early on, playing for local side Newbury Town under-10s where he scored a massive 100 goals in one season. After a brief tenure at Swindon Town, Walcott declined opportunities to join Chelsea's academy, opting for a move to the south coast, where he became an integral part of the Southampton youth side which made it to the FA Youth Cup Final in 2005. The forward went on to become the youngest ever member of the Southampton first team the following season, helping himself to an impressive four goals in only 21 appearances. Walcott joined Arsenal in 2006, coming on as a substitute in the opening game at the Emirates Stadium and setting up Gilberto Silva's equalising goal against Aston Villa. His budding reputation caught the attention of England manager Sven-G?ran Eriksson who controversially included the forward in his World Cup squad for the Finals in Germany. Despite not playing a game for England in the competition, Walcott became the youngest ever member of the England squad, coming on as a substitute against Hungary in a World Cup warm-up match in May 2006. Molded by Wenger from lightweight winger to powerful center-forward, Walcott is now an essential part of the Arsenal's first team. From prolific goal-poaching schoolboy to experienced international, this is the first biography of one of the most exciting players to grace the Premier League.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060209933
• ISBN13: 9780060209933
• Release Date: January 1980
• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Length: 90 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.