Theo Walcott: Why I'm a Liverpool fan

Paul Rogers

20th Jun 2006 - Latest News

Theo Walcott might be a newcomer to the international set-up but the Arsenal striker has revealed how as a young Liverpool fan he once met his Kop heroes - including current England team-mate Michael Owen - thanks to Chelsea, of all clubs.

The youngster - rated the most exciting prospect to emerge in English football since Wayne Rooney - has never hidden the fact that he's a massive Liverpool supporter and even when Chelsea laid out the red carpet for him as a youngster, he used the opportunity to meet his real idols.

"I was playing in a tournament for Swindon when Southampton and Chelsea showed an interest," recalls Walcott. "Chelsea invited me to be a ball-boy for a game against Liverpool and it was fantastic to meet my heroes Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.

"I was a Liverpool fan simply because my dad followed them. Unfortunately I wasn't born when the team had their golden era, but I enjoyed watching the likes of Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman when I was growing up. When Liverpool won the Champions League last year, I went mad. I was shouting so loud I think I woke up the entire village where I live!"

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