The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott wants to emulate 'cult hero' Ian Wright
The 26-year-old is some way behind Wright's 185 goal tally
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theo Walcott wants to follow in the footsteps of Ian Wright and become an Arsenal legend.
The 26-year-old is currently competing with Olivier Giroud to become Arsene Wenger's bona fide first-choice striker. So far this season, neither player's form has been good enough to secure the lone frontman position as their own.
Walcott, however, has long had ambitions to play up top for the club and now says that, should he be given the chance, he wants to emulate the legendary Gunners goalscorer.
"I loved him [and] everything about his style of football because he always played smiling," Walcott told Arsenal's official website.
"He obviously scored so many goals and caused havoc for defenders. He wasn't the tallest man in the world but the amount of pressure he would put on defenders just scared them."
Wright became Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer with 185 goals during his time in north London. His record was eventually eclipsed by Thierry Henry in 2005, who went on to reach a total of 228.
Having mainly played as a winger during his time at the club, Walcott has scored 78 times for Arsenal since joining in 2006. Two of those strikes have come this season, against Stoke City and Dinamo Zagreb.
"He is one of those who is in the history books and he is definitely a cult hero."
With Danny Welbeck ruled out through injury and Giroud lacking form, Walcott has the opportunity to make the position his own and begin building towards Wright's tally, despite still being some way behind.
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments