VIDEO: Theo Walcott stakes an early claim for soundest footballer of 2016

How can you not appreciate this from Theo Walcott?

The Arsenal forward perfectly proved why he's such a crowd favourite with his classy gesture to a fan at full time of the Gunners' 3-1 victory at home to Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. The Emirates stewards were holding back a passionate fan after the final whistle but Walcott gave them short shrift as he dragged the supporter on to help him with a celebratory bump. Walcott usually performs the celebration with Per Mertesacker, who was absent for the game Cup tie. Not content with the experience, the fan had the gall to test Walcott's generosity by asking him for his jersey but, of course, the England international obliged. What a guy!

Theo Walcott is the nicest man in football. No Mertesacker, so he brought a fan on to celebrate with. pic.twitter.com/HH6exE3nHq

— Read Arsenal (@ReadArsenalFC) January 9, 2016