Image Text:

BLISS: Theo Walcott to make an honest woman of girlfriend, Melanie Slade

THEO WALCOTT has proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Melanie Slade, his spokesperson has said.

The 22-year-old England and Arsenal footballer reportedly got down on one knee on New Year’s Eve at their home in Hertfordshire and asked his high school sweetheart, also 22, for her hand in marriage, the Sunday Mirror has reported.

The couple, who have been together since they were 15, have yet to set the date for their big day, but sources close to the pair have said the nuptials aren't expected until next year, allowing the winger to concentrate on his football duties.

"They will probably do it next summer when they have more time off to organise it – they won’t be searching for a ­magazine deal, though," a source is believed to have told the newspaper.

Walcott is said to have given Slade, who works as a sports physiotherapist, a big diamond ring surrounded by two smaller stones on each side.