Messi wanted Walcott's shirt, Henry left him a note and Spurs fans lobbed £16.32 at him

That record still stands to this day, even though a 34-year-old Walcott has doubled in age and looks set to retire from football.

talkSPORT told you on Thursday that the former Arsenal and Southampton star has made the decision to hang up his boots.

In truth, Walcott's career had been winding down since his Emirates exit in 2018, before underwhelming spells at Everton and Southampton.

But during his Gunners days, Walcott made some incredible memories.

After all, they don't just hand out the number 14 shirt to anyone in north London.

READ MORE ON WALCOTT

GUNNERS

Walcott backs Arsenal to win the Premier League ahead of Manchester City

AWE

Walcott left speechless when he met the Queen with Arsenal legend Henry 'starstruck'

In 2021, Walcott joined talkSPORT for an extended episode of Up Front With, and looked back on his early days at Arsenal.

He said: "Chelsea came in, so did Liverpool and Arsenal. It was one thing that my idol was there - Thierry Henry. Plus Arsene Wenger gave so many opportunities to young players.

"I just thought I couldn't say no to them and I wouldn't change it for the world. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

"As soon as I walked in, the first person I saw was Henry. I thought, 'Bloody hell!' I looked so starstruck. Then Robert Pires comes in, then Freddie Ljungberg, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole. I was like a kid with his autograph book.

Most read in Football

Liverpool want three midfielders, Olise snubs Chelsea, Walcott retires, Mitrovic to Saudi

Simon Jordan reveals Spurs were greatly surprised Harry Kane chose to join Bayern Munich

Michael Olise rejects Chelsea interest and signs new Crystal Palace contract

Chelsea turn to Brennan Johnson after Michael Olise signs new Crystal Palace deal

"I've never changed from that little kid up to now."

Walcott revealed iconic striker Henry left him a note when the legendary number 14 shirt was vacated.

"I originally wanted number 8 but it was the season they signed Samir Nasri, so they told me I couldn't have it," Walcott added.

"So I just said I'll take number 14. I'm not superstitious and I didn't really think of the relevance. Then suddenly I thought, 'S***, I've taken Thierry's number'.

"I got a shirt signed from Henry and it said, 'Do number 14, from number 14'.

"He signed it off, and if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for me."

In his prime, Walcott showed why Sven- Goran Eriksson took him to a World Cup when he was just a kid.

Even Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player ever, was asking for his shirt and publicly expressing admiration for him.

"When he [Messi] had the ball and he wanted to face up with me, he would turn and go the other way," Walcott recalled.

"I thought, 'OK, Messi doesn't want to try and run past me, that's a good sign'.

"We played Barcelona quite a lot and Messi asked for my shirt. I thought, 'Wow, the greatest player in the world is asking for my shirt!' I've got no words for that."

Walcott scored more than 100 goals for Arsenal but a possible turning point came in 2014 when he suffered an ACL injury during a match against Spurs.

Having already missed the 2010 World Cup, Walcott was then ruled out of the 2014 tournament.

But his iconic smug gesture on the stretcher made it worthwhile - and that wasn't the only silver lining.

Walcott continued: "The knee injury was the worst because I didn't know I did it at the time, that's why I did the 2-0 sign to the Tottenham fans.

"I got about £16.32 on my stretcher from all the coins they lobbed at me. That's why I did it. I could've gone and bought some sweets, it was that much.

"All the tests were fine, I had a sharp pain for 20 seconds and then it was fine. I'll never forget the phone call from the doctor. He asked me if I was sitting down. I went so white and burst into tears.

"I looked back at that and thought it was a blessing, because my son was born and I never missed it. Things happen for a reason - and that was my reason. I wouldn't change it.

"Now that I've got kids, I look at football differently. They're on my boots and I'm playing for them."

Theo Walcott might not be seen at the highest level again, but watch out for another potential Walcott in the years to come...

Read More on talkSPORT

Conor McGregor treats TUF contestants to steak dinner and gifts them $1k in casino chips

talkSPORT host passionately defends Bellingham amid reports Dortmund stars glad he left

When asked about his kids, Walcott said: "I won't force it on them, but I do practice with them a lot, especially with Finley. He's got a good kick."