The world of football is in mourning after the tragic news of the death of Kevin Campbellformer footballer Arsenal and Everton, at 54 years old. Campbell died after facing “a short illness”, as reported by the London club through an official statement.
According to Mail Sport, Campbell’s health problems began with a stroke suffered a few months ago, which led to kidney failure and rapid weight loss, around 9 kilos, at the time of his death.
Arsenal speaks out after loss
“We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has passed away after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. We are all thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin,” the Gunners said in their statement.
Everton saddened
Everton, where Campbell also left an indelible mark, had confirmed at the beginning of June that their former player was “very bad.” Although Campbell had assured some former teammates through text messages that he was fine, on Saturday came the sad news of his death in the hospital.
“Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not only is he a true hero of Goodison Park and an icon of English football, but he is also an incredible person, as anyone who has met him will know. RIP, Super Kev,” was the Toffees’ dedication to his memory.
Kevin’s career
Kevin Campbell earned legendary status on Merseyside during his six years at Everton (1999-2005), where he scored 50 goals in 160 appearances. His performances were crucial for the club to avoid relegation on several occasions at the beginning of the millennium.
At Arsenal, his boyhood club, Campbell won the FA Cupthe League Cupan English league and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, participating in more than 200 matches and scoring 107 goals in 394 matches in the English top flight.
In addition to his time at Arsenal and Everton, Campbell played for teams such as Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Cardiff City, Leyton Orient, Leicester City and had a brief spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor. In the England Under-21 team, he played four games and scored one goal, becoming the top scorer in the Premier League without having played an official match with the senior team.
After his retirement, Campbell worked as a commentator for Sky Sports. His football legacy continues through that of his son Tyrese Campbell, who most recently played for Stoke City in the Championship.
Rooney, his former teammate
“I am absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev, thinking 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,” he stated. Wayne RooneyCampbell’s former teammate at Everton.
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