Wenger tried to keep Campbell

Arsène Wenger says he did his best to keep Sol Campbell at the club, before he chose to join Newcastle United.

Campbell enjoyed a successful second spell with the Gunners for the second half of last season, but was not guaranteed regular football again this year.

William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos have also been allowed to leave the club, but Wenger insists Campbell was a player he was keen to keep.

He told Arsenal.com: "I was not surprised [to see him leave] because I thought it was a possibility he could take.

"Sol I believe has done extremely well with us and we were still open to negotiating with him here.

"But he made that choice and, no, I am not surprised."

The man himself was delighted to make the move to newly promoted Newcaslte, saying it was the right move at this point in his career.

He said: "At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.

"I'd like to thank Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and 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."

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea