Sol Campbell has admitted that he would like to remain at Arsenal despite interest from Celtic.
Veteran baffled by England snub
Sol Campbell has admitted that he would like to remain at Arsenal despite interest from Celtic, and was baffled to not be considered for Fabio Capello's 30-man provisional squad to travel to the World Cup this summer.
The 35-year-old enjoyed a remarkable renaissance to his career towards the end of the season, rejoining the Gunners after beginning the campaign by going to Notts County, but leaving after just one game at the League Two club.
The veteran defender has stated he would like to stay at Arsenal despite being flattered by Celtic's admiration for him, although it may take some time to sort out a deal due to the current situation regarding captain Cesc Fabregas' possible move to Barcelona.
"I worked very hard to get back to my best and to play in the Champions League again, and I would love the opportunity to continue at Arsenal," Campbell told
ESPNsoccernet.
"I am in no rush; I would like to stay with Arsenal if I could.
"Although a one-year contract has been offered, these things take some time to thrash out - and I imagine Arsene has quite a lot to deal with at the moment,
particularly with Fabregas.
"However, Celtic are a massive club, a great club, with massive support."
Campbell, who last played for England in their final qualifying game for Euro 2008 against Croatia, was thought to have been finished as a top level player after leaving Portsmouth at the end of the 2009 season.
However he roared back in style after returning to North London in January, putting in a string of solid performances that saw him linked with an international comeback, having appeared in six major tournaments in a row for his country.
No sense
Capello ignored the calls for Campbell to be reinstated however, despite offering recalls to Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes, two players well into the latter stages of their career.
"It cannot be my age, because he tried to persuade Paul Scholes to come out of retirement and also went for Jamie Carragher," Campbell added.
"After my performances at the back end of the season, it doesn't make sense,
as I was still fresh compared to many players who are exhausted after a long season.
"I have never met Capello, but you get the sense that he has never liked me as a player because he has never considered me, as far as I know, which is curious."
