Arsenal icon Sol Campbell has reflected on the powerful influence Arsène Wenger had on his football journey, while also revealing the Indian destination that left the biggest impression on him. Speaking during an interview on JioHotstar, the former England defender opened up about his time at Arsenal, his experience under Wenger, and his memorable travels in India.
Campbell, who made a headline-making switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in July 2001, said Wenger personally convinced him to join the club after recognising his defensive strength, composure and leadership. Despite the controversy surrounding the move and the criticism he faced from Spurs supporters, Campbell said Wenger’s unwavering belief helped him settle into the system that later defined Arsenal’s golden era.
The former centre-back became a crucial part of Arsenal’s iconic 2003–04 “Invincibles” squad, praising Wenger for his simple yet powerful guidance. Campbell shared that the best advice the French manager ever gave him was to “play your own game”, allowing players to thrive in a structured system that maximised their abilities. He added that Wenger had an extraordinary ability to revive careers, often adding two to four years to players who seemed mentally or physically done.
Reflecting on his playing days, Campbell admitted he sometimes misses the thrill of top-level competition but is content with family life and watching the next generation rise. He recalled the joy of facing world-class opponents, reading praises about them in the media, and then stopping them on the pitch — moments that made football special for him.
During the conversation, Campbell also spoke warmly about India, naming Rajasthan as his favourite place in the country. He shared that while he spent five weeks in Mumbai, it was Rajasthan’s beauty, culture, lakes, colours and art that truly captivated him. He especially highlighted Udaipur and the scenic lake featured in a James Bond film. He described Mumbai as lively and exciting with its Bollywood flair, fashion and non-stop energy, but said Rajasthan’s natural charm stands out the most.
Across his Arsenal career, Campbell made 211 appearances, scored 12 goals and lifted multiple trophies including two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. His overall career included 503 Premier League matches, 20 goals, 60 FA Cup games and 41 Champions League appearances — cementing him as one of the era’s finest English defenders.