There was not a pause for thought or moment’s hesitation from Theo Walcott when he was asked whether or not he would celebrate scoring a goal against Arsenal.

“Yeah, I would,” said Walcott, who will return to his former club Arsenal with Everton on Sunday. “I think the Arsenal fans will respect that as well.

“Why can’t you enjoy scoring and celebrating a goal for your new team with your fans? They have travelled all that way, enjoy it simple as that. Some players choose not to and that’s fine, but it’s just who I am. Celebrate with your mates and the fans, they are your fans now. I want to win.”

There is no sense of bitterness in Walcott’s words, just a genuine excitement about the latest chapter in his career after moving to Everton in January.

Walcott is determined to look forwards, believing he can beat some of his own personal achievements at Everton, collect more winners’ medals and help his current club eventually surpass his old one.

But the move north, as a husband and father of two sons, has also put fresh perspective on the past and some of the life-changing moments that meant Walcott’s will always be a career played in the spotlight.