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Arsenal legend Sol Campbell revealed that he received a call from Gary Neville regarding a potential transfer to Manchester United.
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell shared an intriguing story about how Manchester United icon Gary Neville once reached out to him regarding a potential transfer to the Red Devils. This candid disclosure sheds light on a pivotal moment in Campbell’s career that could have dramatically altered the trajectory of English football.
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Campbell, who began his professional journey at Tottenham Hotspur, was a highly sought-after defender in the mid-1990s. During a recent appearance on “The Overlap” podcast, Campbell recounted how Neville personally called him to discuss the possibility of joining Manchester United. At the time, Campbell was just 21 years old and already making waves in the football world.
“You [Neville] called me! I remember, I was having an afternoon nap, and the phone call came through,” Campbell recalled. “Gary asked me if I fancied United.” The conversation reportedly progressed further, but the move was ultimately blocked by then-Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar. This intervention played a significant role in Campbell’s decision to eventually leave Spurs and join their fierce rivals, Arsenal, in one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history.
Campbell’s move to Arsenal in 2001, after running down his contract with Tottenham, remains a controversial topic among Spurs fans, who labeled him a “traitor.” However, his decision proved fruitful for his career. At Arsenal, Campbell became a cornerstone of the team’s defense, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups. He was also a key figure in the legendary “Invincibles” squad that went unbeaten during the 2003/04 Premier League season.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity to join Manchester United, Campbell acknowledged his admiration for the club during his youth. However, he emphasized that his ultimate success with Arsenal validated his career choices. “Had things gone differently, who knows what might have happened? But I have no regrets about the path I chose,” he said.
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