On this day in 2001: Sol Campbell swaps Tottenham for arch rivals Arsenal
Sol Campbell caused controversy on this day in 2001 when he crossed the north London divide and joined Arsenal from Tottenham on a free transfer.
The England defender quit White Hart Lane nine years after making his debut having come through the ranks at the club.
He was branded a ‘Judas’ and only last month said he still receives abuse from Spurs fans about the switch.
“I’ve made my decision and I just hope people respect it,” Campbell said after signing a four-year deal at Highbury. “Obviously I know what happened to (former Arsenal and Spurs boss) George Graham and what he had to deal with.
“It is something I am prepared to face and hopefully it won’t be a major problem for me.”
Campbell initially went on to make 197 appearances, scoring 11 goals, for the Gunners whilst winning the Premier League twice – including their Invincible season in 2003-04 – and three FA Cups.
He also scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in 2006.
After moving to Portsmouth, and then a one-game spell at Notts County, Campbell returned to Arsenal in 2010, making 14 more appearances, before ending his career in 2011 with Newcastle.
