Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he refused to allow Joel Campbell to leave the club during the summer, because he noticed ‘something special’ in the Costa Rican.
The 23-year-old was known for his large number of loan spells while attempting to earn his work permit with the Gunners and many questioned whether Campbell would have the credentials and talent to take on a permanent role with the Gunners.
Much was made of the Costa Rican’s future and reports were rife, with Galatasaray the favourites to land his signature throughout the summer.
However, Wenger refused to let Campbell leave and explained that his ‘work ethic’ is what confirmed his decision.
You want to be surprised by the quality of your players and where he surprises you is in the intensity of his teamwork.
I flat-refused to let him go [in the summer] because I saw something in him that gives you belief, because of his attitude.
I always thought the attitude was there. But after Olympiacos, in a game where we were like that, knife on the throat, he turned up with something special – great teamwork and a pass for Giroud on a second goal that was massive for us.
Then I thought, ‘He can play under pressure as well, that is important for us’.
Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening in the Premier League, with the north London side having the opportunity to move five points clear at the top of the division, should both Manchester City and Leicester City fail to pick up any points.
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