Walcott delighted to deliver on promise to Cam

The former Southampton star hit a stunning long-range strike for Saints Legends against Russell Martin’s XI in a thrilling charity match played in front of more than 7,000 fans.

Walcott paid a visit to Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill with Saints Foundation, one of the charities benefiting from today’s game, where he met Cam – the young boy who inspired Walcott to replicate Marcus Rashford’s celebration after picking out the top corner from 25 yards.

“I don’t score many goals like that so it probably took everyone by surprise!” Walcott said.

“It was nice for me to actually go to school and see Cam. I don’t know if everyone’s seen the video, but a brilliant young boy who lit up the room, he really did.

“The confidence the Saints Foundation provide not just him, but a lot of children in the community, is so important. It’s the work that people don’t see.

“That’s the side of it which, as players, yes we go and play football, but you come out of the game and you see a lot more, which is a nice thing. It’s been really nice to be involved.

“It was one of those that he wanted the Rashford celebration – his favourite player – so I thought ‘you know what, I’ll give it to him,’ so that was for him, and it was a really nice moment.

“It was a great finish, I can’t deny that! But I could’ve had quite a few tonight. The keeper was on flames, to be fair, but it’s all about having a bit of fun – that’s what football should be.

“It brought back some nice memories, to be honest, being back at St Mary’s, playing football. It was really nice to be around some of the guys as well – some faces I didn’t know, but football brings a lot of people together.

“It was nice to see all the support, and what’s most important is obviously the Foundations that have really made a difference, so that’s the main thing. Even just being up and personal with the fans – people that don’t really get to see that side of us away from football.”