Published: 4 April, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

WITH eight games to go and a Champions League place very much up for grabs Theo Walcott has already started to turn his attentions to next season.

The 24-year-old, who signed a new contract earlier this year, is proud to be well on course to becoming one of Arsenal’s top 50 appearance holders of all time.

He reached a landmark against Sunderland in February when he made his 250th showing for the club but says he would trade them all in to win a trophy.

“I’d personally take all of my appearances away to win something at this club,” he told Arsenal Player. “Some people may think I’m mad but I think I’m not selfish. I like to think for the club and the fans. Appearances are great but winning things means more. Hopefully next season, when I hopefully reach 300 appearances, there will be a trophy on the end of that. That’s the biggest target.

“Im very proud of reaching 250 appearances. I’ve worked hard through all the lows and the highs.”

Walcott has certainly had a strong season having scored more goals and provided more assists than in any other season since arriving from Southampton in 2006.

“This season, especially, there have been a lot of highs,” he added. “It’s a nice positive. I don’t want it to stop there. I want to continue to play and get back fit soon. It’s a fantastic achievement and I’m very happy. I’ve definitely matured as a player. I’ve always been the same sort of person off the pitch. I’ve always got time for people. I think at times the players might look for something to come from nowhere and at times that’s maybe up to me.

“This has been my best goalscoring and assist-making season. That’s been the biggest step for me.

“The assists are something I’m very proud of. A lot of those come from the wing as well.

“An assist is just as important as getting a goal.”