Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has defended his infamous transfer to the Gunners from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur back in 2001. Speaking to ESPNFC, the former England international says that made the decision to swap from white to red in London so that he could progress as a player thanks to the facilities and coaching on offer at Arsenal.
“It was a move that I needed to make… Going to Arsenal was a big progression for me. Everything about Arsenal was better than Spurs at the time from the players, management to the mentality of the club and the facilities.”
Campbell is in no doubt that his move to the Gunners cost him his legend status at Tottenham, but remains adamant that for him as a player, the move to Arsenal was the best decision he could have made.
“I wanted to improve myself as both a person and a footballer. It was a highly controversial move and Spurs fans have not forgotten it, but it was the best thing that I could have done for myself.”
Sol Campbell also gave his predictions as to who would win the Premier League next season and suggested that Arsenal finally have the balance in their squad to get going, so long as they don’t fall into their regular rhythm and start slowly.
“I think it’s going to be Arsenal’s year… For the second part of last season their form was fantastic and I think they will take this into the new season. Arsenal are usually slow starters and do not fire into life until December.
“I believe they now realise that they can’t afford to do this anymore and have to get out of the blocks quickly. Arsenal have a strong, balanced side, there’s a great team spirit, which is very important and Arsene has at last, got the formula right.”
Following the recent addition of Petr Cech to the Arsenal ranks, Campbell believes that the Gunners have the perfect squad to win the Premier League for the first time in 11 years.
“He’s also made one of the most important signings of any of the top four clubs this summer…[Petr Cech] is a fantastic addition to the team and is exactly what Arsenal needed.”
It remains yet to be seen whether Arsenal do have the right squad to finally retain the Premier League but these comments from the Arsenal legend can only act as encouragement for the upcoming campaign.
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