Kevin Campbell never wanted to leave Arsenal – but one meeting changed everything
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell once revealed that he'd never intended to leave his boyhood club - up until one meeting changed the course of his career.
News of the former striker tragically losing his life was confirmed on Saturday (June 15) following a short illness that had resulted in his admission to hospital last month.
The Lambeth native came through the Gunners academy and became a much-loved figure in his seven-year tenure with the north London club that saw him score 59 goals in 213 games.
Aside from two brief loan stints at Leyton Orient and Leicester City, Campbell had only ever played for Arsenal and admitted the fan in him never wanted to leave the club before his move to Nottingham Forest. However, he realised his time at Highbury was up after a meeting with former Arsenal boss Bruce Rioch in 1995.
Speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone in October 2023, Campbell said: "When my contract was up, there was a new manager in place: Bruce Rioch. The George Graham years had ended. Finished. Arsenal were entering a transition and within one meeting with the new manager, I knew it wouldn't work for me.
"Yes, I'm an Arsenal fan. But, at the end of the day, football's my business. Football's what I do. You don't stay somewhere where you know you're not going to be appreciated. You want to go somewhere where you believe you're going to improve, develop, and - ultimately - play in the position you want.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Kevin Campbell, former Arsenal footballer gives a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on November 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"It wasn't a matter of 'I'm leaving Arsenal', it was 'I've got to go and work'. I'll always be an Arsenal fan until the day I die. But, unfortunately, you have to separate yourself from the fan. The fan inside of me was screaming 'no, you can't go!' because I love Arsenal, and I'll always love Arsenal. But the player has to find a home where he's going to play and feel comfortable."
Campbell departed for Nottingham Forest where he spent three years before enjoying a six-year tenure at Everton where he became a beloved figure at Goodison Park.
Following the news of his death, his former team-mates paid tribute to him, with Tony Adams taking to X to write: "Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. Love you Super Kev, Skipper."
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Fellow Arsenal legend David Seaman also wrote: "Devastating news that Kevin Campbell has been taken way too early. Such great memories of playing with Rambo during our time together at Arsenal - sending all my love to his family and friends" while Ian Wright posted several poignant photos of him and Campbell together during their time at Arsenal.
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