Ian Wright fights back tears in heartfelt tribute to Kevin Campbell

Ian Wright was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to former Arsenal team-mate Kevin Campbell on ITV‘s live coverage of Euro 2024. 

The pundit fought back the tears as he said that Campbell ‘meant the whole world’ to him.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Campbell died in hospital aged 54 after a battle with illness, with tributes pouring in for him.

‘I can’t really go too deep into it because it’s very fresh. I only heard this morning,’ Wright said. 

‘My best wishes and condolences go to his family. It’s too soon for me to talk about it. Any time I start talking it I start to well up.

‘He meant the whole world to a lot of people and especially myself.’

After coming through the youth ranks in North London, Campbell went on to make more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners before joining Nottingham Forest in 1995.

Campbell netted 22 times as Forest won promotion back to the top flight in his final season at the City Ground before moving on to Everton via a brief spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor.

Almost single-handedly saving the club from relegation in his first season at Goodison Park, Campbell quickly became a fan favourite and remained a mainstay with the Toffees in the ensuing years.

Campbell hung up his boots in 2007 after short spells with West Brom and Cardiff City before going on to work in punditry.

Following the news of his passing on Saturday, social media was awash with tributes from fans and former players.

Ian Wright shared of series of photos of himself and Campbell during their time together at Arsenal. 

Wayne Rooney posted a picture of himself on top of Cambbell’s shoulders during their Everton days and wrote: ‘Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. 

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‘Thinking of all his family and friends. Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.’

And Martin Keown added: ‘We have lost today a very special person and ray of sunshine in our lives. God rest your soul my friend.’ 

Former Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who played alongside Campbell at Forest wrote: ‘Life can be so cruel at times. 

‘Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest teammate Kevin Campbell’s passing, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends RIP mate.’

Matt Le Tissier added: ‘RIP Kev’

Another user wrote: ‘His soul will be at peace. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Kevin Campbell. A lovely man, and an Everton great. Loved by everyone.’

A further user added: ‘Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Kevin Campbell. Had the pleasure of playing with and against him in my youth. 

Top draw player then and seeing him crack it at Arsenal and go on to have a such a fine career was testament to him. Top man – so so sad’

Mail Sport understands that the former striker’s health issues started with a stroke suffered a few months ago.

Campbell then developed kidney failure and his weight had dropped to nine stone by time of death.

The 54-year-old was trying to be positive despite his declining health and had messaged his old Arsenal team-mates to tell them he was fine before his untimely passing on Saturday.