Sol Campbell signs for Newcastle United
Veteran defender Sol Campbell has signed a one-year contact with returning Premier League side Newcastle United.
The 35-year-old Campbell joins the Magpies after his six-month deal with Arsenal ended last month, and despite holding talks with Gunners boss Arsène Wenger over a new contract, he has chosen to move to the north east and join last season’s Championship winners.
Sunderland and Celtic were also interested in the 73 times capped former England centre back, but there was only ever one choice for Campbell.
“To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me,” he said.
“I’d like to thank [manager] Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and I aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top tier of English football.
“I just want to play and can't wait to get started. There's a real buzz about the place and that's great. I've played at St. James' Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there's always a tremendous atmosphere.”
Hughton is delighted at recruiting Campbell, who currently sits fourth on the all-time Premier League appearances list with 496, behind only David James, Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed.
“I have known Sol since he was a lad at Tottenham,” said Hughton, whose team begin their Premier League campaign away at Manchester United on August 16th.
“I am fully aware of what he has to offer. That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership. He's a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad, and I look forward to working with him again.”
Campbell recently got married in the north east, and is believed to be happy to settle down in the area.
The move is the fifth of Campbell’s career, and bizarrely for a player of his quality, he has never commanded a transfer fee.
Bosman free moves from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal to Portsmouth were followed by last August’s bizarre switch to League Two Notts County, where he would play just one game before walking out on his five-year contract.
He played fourteen matches and scored one goal upon his return to Arsenal last season, but now starts yet another new chapter in his career.
Tags: