Theo Walcott says Wayne Rooney was a ‘massive factor’ in his Everton move.
Walcott completed a £20 million switch to the Blues on Wednesday following a decade-long spell at Arsenal in which he won the FA Cup three times.
The former England international became the second arrival of the January transfer window at Goodison Park, following Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun.
Southampton had hoped to re-sign Walcott but it was Rooney’s presence which proved a pivotal factor for the 28-year-old when deciding on his next club.
“I had numerous chats with Wayne and that was one massive factor which really tempted me to come to Everton,” he told evertontv.
“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.
“You want to be part of something and Wayne feels Everton are really going to improve.”
Walcott was also swayed by new Everton manager Sam Allardyce, who included him in his first England squad during a short-lived spell in charge back in 2016.
“I just want to play football and enjoy it again. I feel this move will make that happen,” he added.
“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.
“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 feel like I can add value in any of the front-line positions. The manager will pick the 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.
“I think this is going to be brilliant for me. I want to be a part of the atmosphere here and try to build something special.
“This is a special place to play football and the old traditions are great.”