‘I almost joined Delhi Dynamos,’ says Arsenal great Sol Campbell

Mumbai: Former England international footballer and one who played a prominent part during English Premier League team Arsenal FC’s ‘Invincibles’ era, Sol Campbell is eager to taste Indian football and feature in the latest Indian Super League (ISL), but unfortunately was unable to do so. “I almost joined Delhi Dynamos. The deal fell through. Apparently, my signature didn’t go to the right person. There was talk about it, you never know in the future,” the ex-Gunner, who was with his side for five years and made 195 appearances for the Arsene Wenger-managed team said here on Tuesday.

Sol Campbell speaking at the launch of Arsenal's home and away kit. (Photo: DC)

Not only Campbell, but his then teammate, Ray Parlour, is also keen to feature in the ISL, like his contemporaries Robert Pires (FC Goa) and Fredrik Ljungberg (Mumbai City FC). “I wasn’t so close as Sol in joining the League,” Parlour, who broke into the Arsenal first team in 1992 and became a favourite with the fans for his high-energy performances in midfield, said.

Ray Parlour makes a point during the event. (Photo: DC)

“It’s a fantastic league, great stars come over there. I would really love myself to be featured in the ISL, it would be fantastic. It’s great to see couple of our ex-players (Pires, Ljungberg) feature in the tournament. Freddie didn’t last long but it’s a very good tournament and you can see top players playing which is fantastic for Indians,” Parlour added.

(Photo: DC)

Both the Arsenal legends were speaking at the launch of the Arsenal 2015/16 home and away PUMA kits, which also featured the first ever public screening of the ‘Invincibles’ documentary in Asia at Mehboob Studios here amidst thunderous fan frenzy and Arsenal slogans that filled the arena.

Recalling their times spent at the club specially when Arsenal clinched two Premier League medals and two FA Cup winners medals, encompassing the 2001–02 league and FA Cup double, Parlour enjoyed remarkable success during his time with the Gunners.

“As a kid I trained hard. I was so lucky to get into the side and stay in the side. We’ve won so many trophies, two doubles, the famous ‘Invincibles’ season which was amazing and it was a very successful period under Wenger. I’ve enjoyed every minute playing at Arsenal FC and was lucky enough that I managed in the top for 12 years,” Parlour, who thinks that the recent signing of Petr Czech is a big positive for the current team.

Campbell, on the other hand, had to make a harsh transition moving on from his first team Tottenham Hotspur, where he began his career in December 1992, to joining the team’s rivals Arsenal in 2001. It was a difficult period for Campbell even with his bludgeoning power and fearsome frame work.

“I’ve spent many years at Tottenham (who knew it was a swear word with Gunners fans all around him). It was a difficult move. In London there was a lot of animosity going around. It was tough but I’m a tough guy and a tough character. I had great teammates like Ray, Patrick Vieira, all those guys are fantastic characters and you need those guys around you to be present when you’re playing your old team,” Campbell with a deep husky tone said.

However, both the Arsenal legends were hopeful that India too can produce some good players that can be featured in the Premier League. “I know India can do it, they have the funds and can reach the game’s bigger stage. So it’s just about the structure, training and get the youth involved will be the future of Indian football,” Campbell said.

“I started to play football first in East London Street. I am from the streets. I think there where it begins, it all starts from the bottom, the grassroots level, get young boys get involved in football and love football. I know cricket is big here but football can reach a long way,” he added.

When DC contacted Delhi Dynamos, there were unaware about Campbell’s deal. “We have no comments about this. We’re looking at various people but as far as Sol Campbell is concerned, we have no idea,” Srinjoy Mukhopadhyay, marketing consultant from Delhi Dynamos said.