Campbell relishing Pompey life

England defender has FA Cup final in his sights

Last updated: 15th May 2008  

Campbell relishing Pompey life

Campbell: Feeling good

Related links

Teams

Also see

England defender Sol Campbell is enjoying his new lease of footballing life at Portsmouth and has no intention of leaving the club.

The player joined Pompey after leaving Arsenal following the 2006 UEFA Champions League final and has done extremely well since - earning a re-call to the England squad.

This good form has seen him linked with a possible move to Spanish side Villarreal this summer.

But the Pompey skipper insists he is going no-where and is instead focussing on the FA Cup final against Cardiff at Wembley on Saturday, a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

Campbell said: "I'm feeling good. It's sunny down here, the sea air, it's brilliant.

Fantastic

"The lads who have come in over the last two years since I've been here have been fantastic. The gaffer (Harry Redknapp) has brought in some great players.

"There is now a lot of experience combined with a will to win and that's the main thing. That mentality feeds through to everyone.

"Harry Redknapp has assembled a great side and he can get the best out of players. That is his forte. Obviously I'm happy he didn't go to Newcastle when he had the chance.

"He's happy down here, he knows the place inside-out, knows when to push, knows when to hold back. He's a great manager and Saturday will be a great day for him."

Campbell's honours include a League Cup with Spurs, an FA Cup win and two league titles with Arsenal - but he also missed out on another Gunners final triumph through suspension.

He is relishing his return to Wembley, saying: "My FA Cup experience is a bit mixed, but I hope I get a lot of respect for coming back here after Arsenal.

Fighter

"I'm a fighter and I'll always keep fighting. My attitude is right, and I've been doing things properly since I was 14 at Lilleshall.

"I've had so many different experiences right from growing up as a boy in Stratford, east London. I've taken those experiences and moved them into different areas and football is one of them.

"I could have told Steve McClaren where to go when he recalled me for England this season but I love playing for England and I've always said I'm there if they need me."

He has dismissed speculation linking him with a move abroad this summer, saying: "I've got another year on my contract here and I'm enjoying myself and family life, enjoying my football.

"I talked about going abroad before but if that was ever going to happen it would have happened a year or two ago. My situation is different now. If I never move abroad I'll have no regrets.

"I enjoy the game more since I came here but there is always pressure whoever you play for."

Click Here for Your Free Bet