Kevin Campbell, former striker for Arsenal and Everton, has died at the age of 54 after a brief illness. Campbell, who scored 148 goals in 542 appearances over his career, passed away after falling ill in May and being hospitalized.
Campbell’s career spanned nearly 20 years, during which he played for eight clubs, including Leyton Orient, Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Brom, and Cardiff. He was a prominent figure at Arsenal, where he won four major trophies, including the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
Arsenal and Everton both expressed their sorrow at Campbell’s passing. Arsenal stated, “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Everton also paid tribute: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”
Campbell’s son, Tyrese, a footballer who has played for Stoke City, expressed his grief and gratitude for the public’s support. “The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one who I wanted to be when I grew up. He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one-in-a-million person that was loved by everyone. I’ll miss you Dad,” Tyrese said.
Kevin Campbell began his senior career with Arsenal in 1988, after progressing through their youth system. He had loan spells with Leyton Orient and Leicester before making a significant impact at Arsenal. He later played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League and helped Everton avoid relegation with a remarkable loan spell that earned him a permanent move.
After retiring from playing in 2007, Campbell transitioned into broadcasting. His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from former teammates and fans alike.
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