ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell has died at the age of 54 after a short illness.
Emotional tributes are pouring in for the former striker, who spent an unforgettable two decades on the pitch and later became a professional.
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Campbell scored 59 goals for the Gunners in all competitions
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Campbell later in life became an expert Credit: Getty
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He played for Everton between 1999 and 2005. Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
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Arsenal announced Campbell’s death in a statement this morningCredit: Twitter/Arsenal
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Ian Wright shared this shot of him and CampbellCredit: Alamy
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Wright also shared this image on Twitter. Credit: Getty
Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.
During his time at the Gunners, he won the old First League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Arsenal said: “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.”
Everton said: “All of us at Everton are deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell aged just 54.
“Not only a true hero of Goodison Park and an icon of the English game, but also an incredible person – as anyone who ever met him will know.
“RIP Super Kev.”
Wayne Rooney said: “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 earlier years.”
Tony Adams said: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.
“An intensely private and truly wonderful human being. I am devastated for his loved ones and all of us.
“I love you, Super Kev, Captain.”
Campbell’s Nottingham Forest team-mate Mark Crossley said: “Life can be so cruel sometimes.
Kevin Campbell’s heartbreaking three words in the last photo he posted himself
Morgan Johnson, news reporter
FOOTBALL legend Kevin Campbell’s last published photo contained three heartbreaking words.
The ace of Arsenal and Everton unfortunately passed away at the age of 54 after an unforgettable two decades on the field.
The former striker, who has since become an expert in his sport, was rushed to hospital at the end of May after taking a “very bad” fall.
His last selfie he shared on Instagram was on March 23 last year, in which he said, “Health is wealth.”
The legend shone with a box of products from Earthborn Naturals – a company that specializes in the production of healthy natural foods and beverages.
He captioned the video: “I got it thanks to Earthborn Naturals. Health is wealth.”
“I am absolutely devastated by the news of the death of my former Forest teammate Kevin Campbell.
“A true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of the dressing room, a fun-loving guy.
“Thoughts are with all his family and friends. RIP mate.”
Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news. A great player and a great guy. RIP.”
It was revealed on Sunday that he had been rushed to hospital a week earlier after falling ill.
Everton said it was “very bad”.
The Toffees said on X: “We have been informed that our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently very unwell.
“Not only a great footballer, but an amazing person, Kevin is, and always has been, a fighter and we wish him and his family all the best in this challenging time.
“Sending all our love.”
Campbell rose to fame after starting his career in 1988.
After playing in Nottingham and Turkey, he made 137 appearances for Everton where he scored another 39 goals and played with a young Wayne Rooney.
In Trebizond, club president Mehmet Alu Yilmaz froze him out of the squad and called him a “cannibal” and “colorless”, the Guardian reported.
Former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell hospitalized (1)
At Everton, he became the club’s first black captain.
Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before ending his career with one year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.
He put his career on hold in May 2007 after being released by the Baggies following relegation from the Premier League.
In a career spanning two decades, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.
He holds the record for the most goals in the Premier League without the England national team.
He did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B team.
Campbell started his career at Arsenal, and entered the first team in 1988.
His 24-year-old son Tyrese played 146 games for Stoke City starting in 2018 but did not renew his contract.
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Campbell playing in 1994 for Arsenal against Blackburn Rovers Credit: Getty
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