Everton ace Michael Keane sends two-word message to Theo Walcott as retirement announced

Everton defender Michael Keane has sent a two-word message to Theo Walcott after he announced his retirement from football.

The former Arsenal and Southampton attacker retires from the game having made almost 400 Premier League appearances.

During that time, the ex-England international registered tallies of 80 goals and 56 assists for the Saints, Gunners and Everton.

Walcott took to Instagram to send a lengthy message regarding his retirement, which began with the words: “The first moment I put my football boots on aged 10, was the start of a special journey for me.”

Among those sending warm messages to the player is Everton ace Keane, who wrote: “Congratulations mate!”

Superb career

Walcott enjoyed a superb career at the very top level, shining for club and country over several years. The attacker hangs up his boots as an iconic figure of the Premier League, where he most notably shone for English giants Arsenal.

Having started out at Southampton, the winger’s career also took him to Everton, where he played alongside Keane. The duo will have spent plenty of time together on and off the pitch, helping the Toffees battle it out against the top sides in the league for a handful of years.

It remains to be seen what the 34-year-old will do now that his playing career is over, with coaching or perhaps punditry on the cards.

Keane meanwhile must continue to focus on getting Everton out of their current rut, with the Toffees keen to bounce back from their opening day defeat against Fulham when they take on Aston Villa on Sunday (20 August).

In other Everton news, one Premier League club plans to use a £46million windfall to sign a Toffees player this summer.