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Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is making a foray into fiction by publishing a children's book.
Two stories written by the England star are to be printed in a deal with Random House and will appear in bookshops next April.
The tales are about a boy who turns out to be a football prodigy at school, mirroring Walcott's own experiences in football.
The story follows the boy, called TJ - the nickname Walcott had as a child - in his adventures at Parkview School, in a story described as "full of action and passion". There are plans to publish a series of books following TJ's escapades.
Walcott, 20, said: "Many of my experiences as a young footballer will be relived by TJ in the stories.
"I'm really excited to be working on this series. Books played an important part in our family life as I was growing up."
The footballer, who scored 100 goals in his one season as an amateur footballer with AFC Newbury, was signed by Arsenal from Southampton for £12.5million - a record fee for a teenager - in 2006.
Philippa Dickinson, head of Random House, said: "Theo is incredibly talented. We are thrilled."
Reader views (1)
Waiiyyy-haiyyy Walcott - Oxfordshire's finest.
- Simon, Carterton, Oxfordshire, 10/12/2009 11:29
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