- Ian Wright fought back tears as he paid tribute to Kevin Campbell live on TV
- Ex-Arsenal star Campbell has died in hospital aged 54 after a battle with an illness
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Ian Wright was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to former Arsenal teammate Kevin Campbell during ITV’s live coverage of Euro 2024.
The pundit fought back tears as he said Campbell meant “the whole world” to him.
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Campbell died in hospital aged 54 after a battle with illness, with tributes pouring in for him.
‘I can’t really go into depth about it because it’s very fresh. I didn’t hear about it until this morning,” Wright said.
“My best wishes and condolences go to his family. It’s too early for me to talk about it. Every time I start talking about it, I start to perk up.
Ian Wright was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to former teammate Kevin Campbell on TV
Campbell, who has died aged 54, played for Arsenal with Wright, who said he meant ‘the whole world’ to him
‘He meant the whole world to many people and especially to myself.’
After coming through the youth ranks in north London, Campbell made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners before joining Nottingham Forest in 1995.
Campbell scored 22 times as Forest were promoted to the top tier in his final season at the City Ground before moving to Everton via a short spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor.
Campbell almost single-handedly saved the club from relegation in his first season at Goodison Park, quickly becoming a fan favorite and remaining a mainstay for the Toffees in subsequent years.
Campbell hung up his boots in 2007 after brief spells at West Brom and Cardiff City before moving into academia.
Following news of his death on Saturday, social media was flooded with tributes from fans and former players.
Ian Wright shared a series of photos of himself and Campbell during their time together at Arsenal.
Posting a photo of himself on Cambbell’s shoulders during their Everton days, Wayne Rooney wrote: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev.
Wayne Rooney was among those to pay tribute to Kevin Campbell after his death
Another was added with Campbell, Lee Dickson, Wright and Tony Adams (LR)
Tributes poured in on social media following the death of former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell
Martin Keown shared this image of himself and Campbell listening to George Graham
Campbell became a cult hero at Goodison Park after his nine goals in eight games saved the club from relegation in 1999
‘I think of all his family and friends. Kev was a great teammate, but more importantly, a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my early years.”
And Martin Keown added: ‘We have lost a very special person and a ray of sunshine in our lives today. God rest your soul, my friend.”
Former Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who played alongside Campbell at Forest, wrote: “Life can be so cruel sometimes.
‘Absolutely devastated by the news of the passing of my ex-teammate Kevin Campbell, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, a fun loving man, thoughts are with all his family and friends, RIP mate.’
Matt Le Tissier added: ‘RIP Kev’
Another user wrote: ‘His soul will be at peace. Thoughts and prayers for Kevin Campbell’s family and friends. A nice man and a great Everton. Loved by everyone.’
Another user added: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear of Kevin Campbell’s passing. I had the pleasure of playing with and against him growing up.
He was the best player then and it was a testament to him to see him do at Arsenal and have such a great career. Great man – so sad’
Tributes poured in from all corners of the football world after the news was announced
Mail Sport understands the former striker’s health problems started with a stroke a few months ago.
Campbell then suffered kidney failure and his weight had dropped to nine stone at the time of death.
The 54-year-old tried to be positive despite his declining health and had messaged his old Arsenal teammates to tell them he was doing well before his untimely passing on Saturday.