Walcott unfazed by critics

Goals the perfect response to doubters, says young Gunner

Last updated: 1st September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Walcott unfazed by critics

Walcott: Focusing on football

Hopefully people want me to do well, apart from Tottenham fans, probably.

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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott plans to respond to his critics by doing his 'talking on the pitch'.

The 21-year-old has been under increased scrutiny since he was overlooked by England manager Fabio Capello for this summer's World Cup.

Various pundits have had their say on the subject, but Walcott's response has been to score four goals in three Premier League matches for Arsene Wenger's Gunners this season.

The former Southampton player's goal tally includes a hat-trick against Blackpool and he plans to continue to make his mark on the pitch.

Walcott, who is preparing for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria, said: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The people I listen to are the boss (Wenger), Mr Capello, the players and my family. They are the most important people in my career.

"As long as I can continue to listen to them, hopefully it will be fine and I can do the talking on the pitch.

Mature

"In my career, so many people have a go at me - constructive players having a go at me - but if they do something wrong I tell them as well. It goes both ways.

"Hopefully people want me to do well, apart from Tottenham fans, probably.

"I have been around for a long time and this is the season to push on, prove people wrong and play every game when I can with no injuries.

"I do listen to advice, though. Andy Ritchie at Southampton always said to me 'pass it in the net'. From Arsene Wenger, it was 'be aggressive running at players'.

"This season, especially, I have been doing it. If I get at players they will drop off.

"Everything's going well. I didn't have the best of seasons last season, having so many injuries affected the whole season. Now I am more mature, as a player I've grown."