Mumbai, Nov 22 (NationPress) Arsenal icon Sol Campbell praised former Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger for his ability to unify a talented squad, allowing players to excel within his innovative framework, which led to remarkable performances and clinching the Premier League title. Campbell, a key member of one of Wenger's most formidable teams, reflected on the invaluable guidance he received from the legendary Frenchman, who remains Arsenal’s longest-serving manager.

"The most impactful advice Arsène Wenger imparted to me was to simply play my game. His philosophy and system were exceptional. He established a structure and placed players where they could thrive. He had a unique talent for maximizing the potential of players, often revitalizing careers that seemed to have peaked. His ability to extend careers by several years for those who felt finished, both mentally and physically, was remarkable. I fully embraced his philosophy and thoroughly enjoyed playing under his leadership at Arsenal," Campbell shared with JioHotstar on Friday.

On his transition from Tottenham Hotspur to the Gunners, Campbell noted how it influenced his development:

"My upbringing in East London, in a household of 11 siblings and limited financial means, along with playing street football, molded my character. When the opportunity arose to turn professional, I was prepared for the ensuing challenges. The reality is that we are shaped long before we seize those significant chances. If my mindset had been different, I might not have coped with the switch to Arsenal," he reflected.

"I’ll admit, I faced uncertainties during the transfer and struggled for the first six months. It felt as if I wasn't progressing, but in reality, I was evolving as a person. The intense pressure forced me to adapt. It’s a fight to either sink or swim. I opted to swim and elevate myself to a new level. It was undoubtedly challenging and tested my resolve in many ways, prompting me to question numerous aspects at that time. Yet, those early, tough experiences equipped me to persevere. Such challenges are instrumental in shaping one’s character and teach you how to advance in life," he added.

Regarding his perspective on Arsenal's current Premier League matches, Campbell observed: "I have watched Arsenal play numerous times over the years. For their matches, it’s essential to arrive 2-3 hours early, as police restrict access for safety reasons. In contrast, for other clubs, you can show up just 30 minutes before kickoff. I prefer the simpler, nostalgic experience of approaching the stadium without the hassle of time restrictions or parking concerns. I grew up in an era where you’d arrive 20-30 minutes early, pay at the gate, and enjoy the match. I miss that casual atmosphere, which is more prevalent in lower league football now."

Reflecting on the differences in media experiences between his playing era and today, Campbell stated, "Current players enjoy a better balance as they can leverage social media to share their narratives directly. Fans witness the unfiltered reality from players’ perspectives, which holds significant importance. Back in my time, we relied on newspapers, television, or radio, which dictated the narrative. Nowadays, players have the opportunity to present their side of the story accurately, fostering a more nuanced discussion about their careers."

On contemplating his retirement from football, he said, "Sometimes, while watching games, I feel a longing to be involved again, but then I remind myself that I’m 50 and my time has passed. It’s a joy to witness the Premier League and see new talents emerging. I’m content with family life now, watching my children grow. Competing against world-class players, receiving accolades, and then facing and outplaying them has always been a highlight of my career. That thrill of battling the best and achieving victory is what I cherished most about the sport."

In discussing his visits to India, Campbell remarked, "I spent five weeks in Mumbai, but I found Rajasthan truly enchanting. I explored Udaipur, where the lakes featured in a James Bond film during my downtime. I immersed myself in the experience, and it was incredible. The landscape, vibrant colors, and local artistry make it a fantastic destination. Although it was slightly chilly in the mountains, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Mumbai is also vibrant, teeming with Bollywood stars, fashion, and constant energy. The city is always alive and buzzing. Both locations are remarkable, but the allure of Rajasthan stands out to me."