Kevin Campbell has been described as “my idol” and “one in a million” by his son Tyrese after his death at the age of 54.
first Arsenal and Everton The striker, a title and FA Cup winner with the Gunners and a hero at Goodison Park after saving the Toffees from relegation in 1999, died after a short illness.
“I appreciate that many admired my dad and that the outpouring of love has been a comfort as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time,” said former Stoke striker Tyrese in a message released on his behalf by journalist Alan Myers. .
“The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up.
“He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, one person in a million who was loved by all, a special, very special person. I will miss you dad.
“I would now like to ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we mourn the loss of a father, a brother, an irreplaceable uncle and an overall incredible human being. I will always love you dad.”
Campbell’s former clubs (which he also played for) Nottingham ForestTrabzonspor, West Brom and Cardiff, as well as having loan spells at Leyton Orient and Leicester, and his former teammates also paid tribute to a striker who scored 148 goals in 542 appearances during his career.Former Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell paid tribute to his father Kevin following his death at the age of 54 (Jess Hornby/PA)
Former England captain and Everton team-mate Wayne Rooney wrote on X: “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 early years.”
Tony Adams, Campbell’s former Arsenal team-mate and captain, posted: “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 for all of us. I love you Super Kev, captain.”
Clinton Morrison said he grew up in south London inspired by the “goals and celebrations” of Campbell and his Arsenal strike partner Ian Wright.
“Being a London kid and growing up watching him and Ian Wright play together was brilliant for us young people,” said the former crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland striker Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The way they scored goals and the way they celebrated, that’s who we were, considering those two players as idols.
“We thought ‘look how they score goals, look how they have fun, look how they celebrate’.
“Kev was like that even when football ended. He still had that bright smile and I only remember the good things, brightening up a room and being a great player and a great individual.”
Campbell scored 59 goals in 224 appearances for Arsenal and, as well as the 1990-91 league title, also won the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup at Highbury.
He spent three years at Forest after joining them in 1995 and had a season with Trabzonspor in Turkey before moving to Everton in 1999.
He remained at Everton until 2005, where he spent time as Walter Smith’s captain and finished his career at West Brom and Cardiff.
Arsenal said Campbell was “adored by everyone at the club” and added: “All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Everton said in a club statement: “Not only a true hero of Goodison Park and an icon of English football, but also an incredible person, as anyone who has met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”
A tribute to Forest read: “Kevin spent three seasons in the #NFFC and was part of the team that won promotion to the First Division as champions in 1998. Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
The official England Account X posted: “We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell passed away at the age of 54.
“Kevin won four caps for our under-21 team and represented our B team in the early 1990s. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones.”
The Premier League and the English Football League also paid tribute to a gigantic character.
Campbell worked in the media after his playing career and was known for his dress sense, which included wearing bow ties.
Fellow pundit Tony Cottee, another former Everton striker, wrote on X: “I am very devastated to hear the news of Kevin Campbell’s passing.
“The nicest man you could ever want to meet and a fantastic player. Thoughts for his friends and family. RIP Kev.”
Former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips said: “Truly devastated to hear the sad news of Kevin Campbell’s passing.
“A fantastic goalscorer, but most importantly an even better human being. What a gentleman. Thinking of Kevin’s friends and family today, Kev will be missed. RIP.”
Campbell was a member of the Black Footballers Partnership, which works to increase the voice and influence of black footballers.
“Our condolences go out to his family and to the people of Brixton, Lambeth, who have lost one of their best sons,” the BFP said.
“Kevin meant a lot to many fans across the country, especially Arsenal, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City, who he played for during his stellar career.
“We are going to miss him a lot. May he rest in eternal peace. We love you and will miss you, Kevin.”
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