Although for many it may be the most glamorous and desired career around, a career as a footballer is not always for life. We so often these days see ex-footballers squeezing out every last ounce of their footballing fame, becoming pundits and commentators yet the current generation of stars appear to be branching out from the sport. Roman Pavlyuchenko for example has moved into the political arena, harbouring dreams of one day leading the people of Russia whereas Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin has been strutting his stuff with the likes Gucci and Versace in the women’s fashion industry. Theo Walcott however, is a children’s book author…apparently.
Life has hardly been going to plan for the ex-Southampton striker since he moved to the Emirates and despite the odd brilliant display, the winger’s Arsenal career has been filled with disappointing performances and constant injury. After gaining a reputation as having ‘glass ankles’ the England international clearly thought it was time to set up a plan B and has recently put pen to paper on a lucrative deal with a well known publishing company.
It may be the only January transfer that takes place at the Emirates but Walcott has completed a loan deal to Random House publishing and is looking to hit the ground running as he begins work on his first book. Walcott will release a four book series of which the first is due for release this April. The series will follow the events of a young school boy named TJ and will be heavily based around football. Walcott has said the following of the opportunity:
“Books played an important part in our family life as I was growing up, many of my experiences as a young footballer will be relived by TJ in the series”
The books are aimed at children aged 9-11 and it is believed that Walcott’s involvement will help rekindle youngsters interest in reading, an activity that continues to be replaced by video games and television. Random House are hoping that the series will be a success and are reportedly big fans of the Arsenal winger. They will be hoping that the stories inspired by the life of the former Southampton man will make for a thrilling read. However, rumours that TJ will prematurely travel to the World Cup only to warm the bench have yet to be confirmed.
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this is old news.
So exactly how lucrative is this lucrative deal? I suppose he has to do something to fill the time in the sick-room.