Theo Walcott reveals how Wayne Rooney was a big factor in his £20million Everton move
'He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up - those are the reasons I came here,' says Theo
WAYNE ROONEY was a "massive factor" in persuading Theo Walcott to join Everton.
The former Arsenal star, who admits he is coming to Goodison Park with a “point to prove,” revealed he spoke to his former England team-mate before making the move.
Walcott said: "I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton.
“He told me it was a great place to play football and a club that is on the up.
"Those are the reasons I came here.
“This is a club with great history. The fans are brilliant, they are always passionate… and I used to find it very tough playing here.
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“You want to be part of something and Wayne feels Everton are really going to improve.”
Walcott, 28, left the Gunners for the Toffees for £20million after failing to start a Premier League game this season.
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Walcott has been in countless England squads with Rooney, who teed up two of his three goals when he became the youngest Englishman to hit a hat-trick for his country against Croatia in 2008.
The former Southampton youngster admitted the lure of playing for Sam Allardyce – who selected Walcott for England during his brief spell as the Three Lions' boss - was another huge pull towards Goodison.
He told Everton TV: “I was very proud of what I did last season – scoring 19 goals.
“I want to bring that [scoring form] to. I want to be part of the attacking force that is here.
“It always comes down to hard work and I think the manager here will get the best out of all the players.
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“I just want to play football and enjoy it again. I feel this move will make that happen.
“With Sam coming in, his start was fantastic. There has been a little dip – but that happens and it is how you get out of that which makes you stronger.
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"I feel like the players have got a point to prove, I have got a point to prove and it is going to get the best out of us, I am sure.
“I believe I can add value in any of the front-line positions. The manager will pick his team depending on who we play against.
"He sees me more on the right, but I can play in any of those positions. A lot of those 19 goals I scored I was playing on the right."