Arsene Wenger pulled off one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever transfers when he signed defender Sol Campbell in 2001.
In one of the most controversial deals in Premier League history, England International Campbell had joined Arsenal on a free transfer from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Campbell was a graduate from the Tottenham academy and was also their club captain. In the months leading up to the expiry of his contract, he emphasised his desire to stay at White Hart Lane.
Wenger then shocked the footballing world when he unveiled his latest signing on July 3rd 2001, and Arsenal announced Campbell in the most unexpected way possible.
Arsenal announced Sol Campbell signing in surprise press conference
There was no indication at all that Arsenal were going to announce one of the most significant transfers in the history of English football when a press conference was called to announce the signing of goalkeeper Richard Wright from Ipswich Town.
Wenger then played a blinder, as those who had gathered to cover the Wright transfer watched in awe as Sol Campbell casually walked into the press conference.
“I remember his press conference, when I said we will announce a player. Nobody turned up at the training ground. There were only two press people here,” Wenger stated of the iconic moment.
“I will never forget the press’ faces when Sol came in. ‘Sol Campbell from Tottenham’, they couldn’t believe it!”
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What Sol Campbell said at his Arsenal unveiling in 2001
Naturally, there were plenty of questions to be asked about how Campbell had somehow joined the one club which would have made him one of the most loved, and most hated players in North London.
“I’ve made my decision and I just hope people respect it,” Campbell stated.
“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 eventually had to deal with sheer hostility when returning to White Hart Lane for some of the fiercest North London derby matches, with his first return requiring additional police presence.
“I spent a lot of years at Tottenham and while I was there I played my heart out and tried everything to help move the team in the right direction,” he added.
“But the time finally came to make a decision to move on.”
Campbell was one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe, and could have joined any giants in the continent, but he explained his desire to stay in England.
“Staying in the Premiership was important to me. I was very keen to stay in the Premiership. Sven Goran Eriksson, the England coach, is here and the majority of games he sees are here in England.
“It was a big decision. I could have earned more money by going abroad but I felt this was the place to be.”
Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend, winning two Premier League titles, including the Invincible triumph which was confirmed at his old ground, and is the only player to have scored in a Champions League final for the club.
Wenger had delivered a statement about the rivalry in North London with the signing of the Tottenham Hotspur captain, which is still remembered fondly by Arsenal fans to this day.