Theo Walcott's wife Melanie has opened up about the 'terrifying' moment when doctors discovered that the couple's son Finley had a heart defect.

The 25-year-old physiotherapist, who has been in a relationship with the Arsenal star since the pair were teenagers, gave birth to their son in April last year.

Shortly after the baby was born, doctors discovered that he had a congenial heart defect and surgery was required when Finley was 10 weeks old.

"Theo and I were terrified, although my physio background helped - I know how the heart works," Melanie wrote in The Mirror. "He looked well too, so looking at him you wouldn't have known - that made us feel positive. He was in good hands.

"Finley's fine now, and although he'll have regular checkups until he's 16, hopefully that's that. He's 14 months now so he's really discovering the world and his independence. He's into everything he can get his hands on. He's running and climbing, and he's kicking balls too."

Melanie also revealed that she and Walcott are hoping to have a second baby at "some point soon".