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Defender Campbell to leave Arsenal

story.sol.get.jpg
Campbell regained his place in the Arsenal team and scored in the Champions League final.

England central defender Sol Campbell is leaving Arsenal, the Premier League club said on Saturday.

Campbell, 31, arrived in 2001 from north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and has played 197 games for Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

Campbell, whose season was disrupted by injury and personal problems, said he needed a "fresh challenge."

Campbell, who looks set to play abroad, stormed out of Highbury at halftime during a match against West Ham United in February after being responsible for two first-half goals by the visitors.

He was then out for 10 weeks with a series of minor injuries before returning to the side in time for the Champions League final against Barcelona when he scored in a 2-1 defeat.

"It is with a sense of pride, achievement and the desire for a fresh challenge that I depart," Campbell said.

"Playing abroad is something that would really interest me but at the moment I am keeping all of my options open."

Campbell was in England's World Cup squad but was second choice behind John Terry and Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence, limiting his appearance to a substitute role against Sweden in the final group game.

"Sol has been a giant for us since his arrival in 2001," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"His desire and presence have been instrumental to our success over the past five years but we respect his decision to move on and, of course, we are very sorry to see him go."

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