One of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history, Sol Campbell actually could’ve gone anywhere.
The 73-time England international shocked the footballing world in 2001 when he swapped Tottenham for their fiercest rivals Arsenal.
The move came out of nowhere with journalists not even seeing it coming, and Spurs didn’t get a fee as the centre-back’s contract had expired.
Judas shirts were displayed at White Hart Lane in response and Spurs fans even got in trouble for death threats and disgraceful chants.
He couldn’t have picked a worst move in regards to Spurs, but as it turns out, Arsenal weren’t the only ones interested.
While speaking to Stick to Football, he was asked by Gary Neville about Manchester United trying to sign him and replied: “You bloody called me!
“I remember, I was having an afternoon nap, and the phone call came through and Gary asked me if I fancied United, I must have been about 21 then.”
Campbell explained that the move could’ve been reality too, adding: “It did go further, but he blocked it, [Alan] Sugar blocked it.
“He must’ve, it didn’t go further [after that]. I think a lot of players have had difficult times with him.”
The now 50-year-old went on to discuss other interest from a number of European giants.
“Bayern [Munich] came in earlier, but you don’t know – is it a newspaper phoning you up? Back in those days, you didn’t know,” he said..
“Liverpool came down, but the manager didn’t come for the meeting. I went to Inter, had a chat with them.
Campbell could only laugh while reminding Neville of their phone call[/caption]
“Barcelona came in at the end, but you just don’t know, it’s all propaganda. Arsenal obviously came in at the end.”
Having won a League Cup at Tottenham, Campbell would go on to claim two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at Arsenal before adding another cup with Portsmouth.
The results showed that the move was a wise one, although Campbell also admitted he didn’t have any affection for Spurs, or any other side for that matter.
When asked which team he supported as a child, he replied: “England!
“My local team was West Ham, but I never really connected with them.”
