Ian Wright fights back tears on live TV in emotional tribute to Kevin Campbell

Ian Wright has paid tribute to Kevin Campbell following his death, saying his former Arsenal team-mate "meant the whole world" to him.

Arsenal confirmed on Saturday that Campbell had passed away at the age of 54 following a short illness. And Wright, working on ITV Sport as a pundit during Euro 2024, was asked if he would like to share a few words about his friend prior to Spain's match against Croatia.

Wright said: "I can't really go too deep into it. It's very fresh. I only heard this morning. Obviously my best wishes and condolences go to his family but it's too soon for me to talk about it. Anytime I start to talk about it I well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people, especially myself."

A number of tributes poured in for Campbell after Arsenal released a statement confirming his passing. The statement read: "We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin."

Campbell's son, Tyrese, took to social media shortly after to share a wonderful tribute to his father. The former Stoke City forward wrote: “I appreciate my Dad was admired by many & the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time.

“The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your Dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up. He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone, a special special person. I’ll miss you Dad [blue heart emoji].

It was confirmed on Saturday that Campbell, pictured with Wright, had died

“I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respect as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable Father, Brother, Uncle and all round amazing human being.

“Love you always Dad [blue heart emoji].”

Another of Campbell's former clubs, Everton, paid tribute to the striker. Campbell made made 139 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 52 goals. The Toffees wrote: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well - as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev."