Theo Walcott: My long Arsenal contract saga played on my mind

Theo Walcott admits his long-drawn-out Arsenal contract saga affected his form before he penned a new long-term deal at the club last month.

The England international’s future had been a source of relentless speculation, with his old deal set to expire at the end of this season.

But the 23-year-old delighted Arsenal fans by signing a new contract extension last month.

And although Walcott admitted his relief at penning a fresh deal, he conceded that the whole saga had affected his performances.

“It was a long process and it was difficult for both sides,” said Walcott.

“In the last two or three game before it was sorted it was playing on my mind more than it had been beforehand but I’m happy it’s all done and I’m enjoying my football again.”

Walcott, who has been deployed in a central striking role by Arsene Wenger in recent weeks, has netted seven goals in his last 10 appearances.

And the forward is understandably delighted with his current form.

“Things are going well,” he added. “I’m working hard, staying after training and seeing what I can improve.

“I just enjoy working hard, scoring goals and trying to help make this team the team we should be. That was one of the main reasons for signing – there is huge potential in this team and I want to be part of it.

“I’ve been happy with the last couple of seasons, but this year has stood out. I’ve had a more consistent run of games, playing well, scoring goals. Things always go well when you’re scoring, it’s how you react when they’re not going so well. At the start of the season I wasn’t playing at all and I reacted in the right way on the pitch.”