Theo Walcott admits he could retire at the end of the season aged 34 and hints at a surprise career change

THEO WALCOTT has hinted Southampton’s relegation battle could see him retiring.

The England striker, who turns 34 in ten days, even suggested he could step to the other side of the press section with a career in football journalism.

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Southampton are currently struggling for Premier League safety and are a point behind Leeds in 17th place.

They are also behind Everton in what has been a difficult season for the club.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was sacked and his replacement, Nathan Jones, did not last long as Ruben Selles took charge until the end of the season.

Although there has been an improvement in recent weeks, two wins from the Saints’ last three games have boosted their hopes of survival in the Premier League.

For Walcott, however, he has admitted the season has taken its toll on him.

When asked when he could hang up his boots, he joked: “June and beyond? Geez, I might retire, who knows? This could put me into retirement.

“We’ll see, I don’t know and I honestly have no idea. I’m very relaxed about what happens next after this season.

“I could stand on your side of the fence and talk to the players – who knows?”

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For now, however, Walcott insists he is focused on securing Southampton’s top status.

He added: “I wasn’t thinking too far ahead, my biggest challenge is to keep this team going, to help the players, to help them learn some things from me and then I’ll make my decision.”

If he were to move to the expert world he would join a long line of footballers to make the switch such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry to name a few.

Walcott enjoyed a successful Premier League career, winning two FA Cups during his 12-year tenure at Arsenal.

He also scored 78 Premier League goals and won 47 caps with England.