SAINTS hero Theo Walcott admitted his St Mary's return "brought back some nice memories" after he featured in a charity game on Sunday.

Walcott, who retired in 2023 after departing Southampton, scored on his return to the south coast in a game against a Russell Martin XI.

The former England international was named man of the match as he rolled back the years in front of 7,000 fans at St Mary's.

The game was played to raise funds for various charities, including the Saints Foundation, who Walcott insisted do brilliant work in the local community.

Prior to the game, the retired winger visited a local school to witness the work the Saints Foundation do with their Community Champions programme.

He met youngster Cam and dedicated his celebration to him - pointing to his head in Marcus Rashford style - after firing into the top corner.

Speaking to Southampton's media team, Walcott said: “It brought back some nice memories, to be honest.

"Being back at St Mary’s playing football is really nice. Being around the guys, some faces that I didn’t know - football brings people together. 

“It was nice to see the support. What’s most important is raising money for the foundations which really make a difference.

“Being up close and personal with the fans, they don’t really get to see the side of us away from football.

“It was nice for me to go to a local school and see Cam - I don’t know if people have seen the video - he lit up the room.

“The confidence that Saints Foundation are providing young people in the community is really important.

“It’s a side that a lot of people don’t see. That’s the side that we see a lot more when we come out of the game. It’s been really nice to be involved.”