ARSENE WENGER has admitted he regrets bringing Tottenham defender Sol Campbell to Arsenal.
The former England international made a controversial move on a free transfer across London in 2001.
Sol Campbell made a controversial move across London to ArsenalCredit: AP:Associated Press
Former Arsenal manager Wenger told 11 Freunde: “I knew that it would cause heated debates in London, but I was truly convinced by the player.
“I thought he was capable of facing the adversity. For me, it was easy because everybody was conscious that I had signed a great player. But for him, it was more complicated.”
Campbell left Spurs to join fierce rivals Arsenal and his move sparked anger among the Tottenham fans.
Spurs supporters turned on their former star, branding him ‘Judas’ and giving him a hostile reception on his return to White Hart Lane.
Campbell even prepared for facing the wrath of fans by being booed in training by Arsenal teammates.
Arsenal legend Wenger admits the transfer led to stressful situations and in hindsight may not have agreed to the deal.
Wenger said: “The situation was really stressful for Sol and he told me afterwards how severe it became.
“He couldn’t go to certain places for dinner or walk freely in London because of the anger of the Tottenham fans.
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“In hindsight, I’m not sure if I would sign him again bearing in mind the difficulties he faced.”
Campbell enjoyed a hugely successful career at Arsenal, helping the team win a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season.
The centre-back was also part of the ‘Invincibles’, with Arsenal going unbeaten in their title winning season in 2004.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
