Gunners say goodbye to defender Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell today confirmed that he has decided to depart Arsenal in search of a fresh challenge. Campbell, who made 197 appearances for the Club scoring 11 goals, has been a key figure in the team’s success story since his arrival in 2001. During his five seasons at Arsenal he has won five major trophies.

Campbell said: “After much consideration, I have taken the decision to leave Arsenal.

“I have spent five fantastic, trophy-filled seasons at the Club, with many truly memorable moments, including winning the Premiership title in 2004 by remaining unbeaten for the entire campaign. So, it is with a sense of pride, achievement and the desire for a fresh challenge that I depart. Playing abroad is something that would really interest me but at the moment I am keeping all of my options open.

“I would like to thank: Arsène Wenger for everything he has done for me; the world class players that I have been privileged to play alongside and accomplish so much; everyone behind the scenes, from the directors to the staff and lastly but by no means least, to the fans. You have been a constant source of warm-spirited support for which I am truly grateful.

“I'd like to thank everyone associated with the Club for the wonderful memories and wish the team the best of luck in the future.”

Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Sol has been a giant for us since his arrival in 2001. His desire and presence have been instrumental to our success over the past five years, but we respect his decision to move on and of course, we are very sorry to see him go.

“Sol was at the heart of our defence and he will take away with him many fantastic memories, which he richly deserves. Winning two Premiership titles, three FA Cups and scoring in the Champions League final against Barcelona will surely be highlights he will treasure. He also excelled for England, playing in six consecutive international tournaments since 1998, three of which were during his time at Arsenal. Indeed Sol’s international record is outstanding. He was named in the official All Star Team of the Tournament for the World Cup in 2002 as well as Euro 2004 - accolades that very few share.

“I would like to thank Sol for his tremendous contribution. His commitment, stature and strength of character have served us remarkably well, both individually and as a team player who captained the side. I know that the younger players, who have progressed here over recent times, have benefited hugely from playing alongside Sol. Everyone at the Club wishes Sol all the best for the future.”


Arsenal Statistics: Apps Goals
League 133+2 8
F.A. Cup 19 2
Champions League 39 1
League Cup 2
Community Shield 2
TOTAL 195+2 11

Silverware: League Champions 2002, 2004
F.A. Cup Winners 2002, 2003, 2005
Community Shield 2002

England: 69 appearances, 1 goal.
International Tournaments: Euro 1996, 2000 and 2004. World Cup 1998, 2002 and 2006. Sol was voted into the FIFA All Star Squad of the Tournament in the 1998 World Cup. He bettered that by featuring in the All Star Team of the Tournament in 2002 and UEFA Team of the Tournament in Euro 2004.


source- www.arsenal.com

yeah i had a feeling he would leave, i hope he's happy where he goes and sees out his carrer there.

now he's gone i think we should try and sign curtis davis he looks like he's going 2 be a great player for the furture!!!!!!!
if we do go for him i don't think he should start, senderous should start!!!!! he's just handy 2 have incase senderous or toure get injured (i hope and pray not)

:arsenal:

they must be going to get somebody as i read today in newpapers that senderos is reportedly out for up to 4 months :blink:

i'd love it if they get cannavaro :<>: i know its difficult but they said something bout him not long ago

ive herd sols going to pompy - that would make 2 arsenal `former`players at the club.

we`ve got kerrea gilbert and johan djourou and pascal cygan who can play in that possition

lets not forget Senderos! (:

senderos is out for bout 6 weeks with a dislocated shoulder

even a rumour it could be up to 4 month!!!!!! :blink:

it`s 3 months we need a defender or two badly - remember laurens still recovering from his knee injury :arsenal:

more bad news about defenders... Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has hinted that Ashley Cole could be on his way out of the club :o

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=40...drops+Cole+hint

not really surprising especially with what he is writing in his book about the club./.apparently he is disliked by a lot of the 1st team because of the dysloyalty that he has shown wenger. Basically he has become a bit big headed.
he'll probably sign for chelsea this week

kerrea gilbert has gone on loan to cardiff aswell - were running short on defenders.

just an idea if sol dont find a club u think he may come back for half a season untill january and try again

what did he say exactly abt arsenal??

there are apparently two chapters in his book which arsenal are trying to get removed where he writes stuff about the team, wenger and dein. Also apparently freddie hates him

But Cole claims the Gunners used him as a scapegoat over the "tapping up" affair with the Premiership champions.

He has since signed a contract extension with Arsenal but has now revealed his bitterness at the club.

"Arsenal hung me out to dry, using me as a scapegoat to get back at Chelsea," said Cole in a blurb to promote his book quoted in The Sun.

"The board rewarded' me with an insult and threw years of loyalty back in my face.

"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family."

and he slags off wenger.

Basically he thinks it arsenal fault that he went and met chelsea...he completetly up himself

if he feels that way it's best he should leave. i mean really do we want ashely cole in the team when he's sayin things like that. coz i know i don't

he might be the best left back but i would prefer to have a player that likes the club, players and staff, it helps our team spirit!!!!!!

p.s: what has really shocked me is that he's sayin all these thing and he hasn't even left the club yet!!!!