Theo Walcott bids farewell to Arsenal after Everton move

Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Longtime Arsenal forward Theo Walcott wrote a letter to Gunners fans Wednesday, after leaving the team to join Everton.

The 28-year-old joined Everton on a three-and-a-half year contract for more than $27.6 million, according to the BBC. Walcott, 28, had 108 goals in 397 games during his 12-year tenure with Arsenal.

He did not start a game this campaign for the Gunners.

Walcott also has 47 caps for England, but hasn't taken the field for the national team since 2016.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved @Arsenal - manager, coaches, backroom staff, and all the many people at the club that have been part of my family for the past 12 years," Walcott wrote on social media.

"I would also like to thank all my teammates I have had the pleasure of playing alongside, but most importantly the fans for their incredible support," he wrote. "I feel sad to leave but also excited for a new challenge. I wish everyone at the club every success for the future."

Everton also paid more than $37 million for striker Cenk Tosun this month.

Walcott made his Arsenal debut in August of 2006. He joined the club in January of 2006 from Southampton at just 16-years-old.

He also posted a video on his social media accounts, thanking fans for their well wishes and wishing the Arsenal the best in the future. Everton faces Arsenal at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 in a Premier League game at Emirates Stadium in London.

"There's something about this move which I've just felt good about," Walcott told the Everton website Wednesday.

"It felt like it was time for me to move on [from Arsenal]. It was sad but it's exciting at the same time and I want to push Everton to win things as they have done before.

"I want to be part of something and I feel like this place will offer me that."