SAINTS winger Theo Walcott insisted a return to old stomping ground Everton was “the first fixture I looked at” for the new Premier League campaign and added: “We are going to hopefully go there and disappoint them.”

The 32-year-old joined the Toffees from Arsenal back in January 2018 – arriving on Merseyside under Sam Allardyce for a move reportedly worth more than £20million.

Walcott played 85 times in all competitions for the Blues, scoring 11 goals before being loaned out to Saints last season.

He has since signed a two-year contract with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men following the expiration of his deal at Goodison Park.

Asked about returning to face Everton in Saints’ Premier League curtain-raiser on Saturday (3pm), Walcott told the Daily Echo: “You know what? It was the fixture I looked at straight away and I really enjoyed my time at Everton.

“The fans, the stadium, the players and staff were fantastic.

“It’s a great place to play football. They’ve got a fantastic squad, they really have.

“There’s obviously a new manager with new ideas but we are going to hopefully go there and disappoint them - then after that they can do what they want, I suppose!

“Personally, I am really looking forward to it because they were great for me and I really enjoyed my time.

“It’s really important that the fans are back because they really make Goodison what it is. That’s what it’s about in football.

“You want fans together, you want that intense feeling and Goodison’s always a very difficult place to play but it’s going to be very special personally to go there and play because they were brilliant for me.”

Like in any line of work, a new job may also mean relocating - with the former England star still trying to put the finishing touches on his move back to the south.

“Obviously moving from up north is a big move with the kids and schools and everything like that, so we’re still not quite even there yet, which is hard to believe,” Walcott added.

“It’s just the way it is. Us footballers, we do have lives away from football that people don’t really realise at times!

“It’s just normal life and you’ve got to deal with schools and houses etcetera but it’s just the way it is. My wife’s absolutely fantastic, the support she’s shown – especially during the pandemic as well – it’s not been straightforward for anyone.

“I’m still in the transition of moving but once that’s all sorted, like I say, you are going to get the better of me because what’s important to me is my family – and my family coming to watch games more often.”

Walcott not only has the desire to drive Saints up the top-flight table, but to create footballing memories for wife, Mel, and their two sons, who are starting to love the game like their dad.

“My little ones, they are starting to get into football now as well. It means a lot. I’m playing for them as well as myself,” the Saints star added.

“To see my little ones actually in the stand, it does mean a lot, it really does.

“I want them to see me just enjoy playing – simple as that. My son, even when I go out and about, he always tells people who his daddy is!

“It cracks me up and makes me laugh because I always tell him ‘they already know, don’t worry, I’ve already told them all’ but he loves it.

“He’s really proud and it’s really nice to see he’s starting to take a lot of interest.

“Little ones tend to say what they are thinking! But it’s so innocent and I am pleased they can come and watch now, both of them.”