Theo Walcott was targeted by NOTW phone hackers

London, Mar 27 (ANI): Theo Walcott had become the target of News Of The World phone hackers when Sven Goran Eriksson, then England coach, picked the Arsenal winger for the 2006 World Cup.

It was when Walcott stepped out with Melanie Slade, then just 16, that the tabloid stepped up its campaign of intrusion.

Slade's father John, of Southampton, said Scotland Yard told him his mobile was hacked to get information on the footie star and his daughter, who recently became engaged.

"I was very surprised because we don't court publicity and Mel and Theo keep a very low profile," the Daily Star quoted the dad as saying.

"They must have thought: 'This man leads a very boring life'," he added. (ANI)