BERGKAMP: EUROPE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SPURS
Arsene Wenger`s men face Spurs on Saturday in what is expected to be the most intense North London derby in years, with Campbell`s presence against his former club expected to spark some form of protest, but Bergkamp has told the White Hart Lane faithful that the fixture is becoming less important to the Highbury club.
Campbell`s presence will add intensity to an already heated fixture, as his defection from Tottenham to Arsenal sparked fury among the Spurs faithful.
Tottenham fans are reportedly planning some form of silent protest, to express their contempt for Campbell, but Bergkamp has told them that they must accept the England international has moved on.
The Dutch maestro declared: "I understand fans feel intense loyalty to their team and that is one of the beauties of football, but Spurs fans need to accept he has changed clubs - he is one of ours now.
"You have to realise Arsenal is a European club and the North London issue is less and less important to us.
"I have heard the Spurs fans are planning a gesture of contempt - well, that's fine by us. I would never be so arrogant as to tell fans they have no right to show their feelings in a peaceful protest.
"Sol will not be bothered by any amount of stick he gets."
Bergkamp also taunted the Spurs fans further by stating Campbell decided on Arsenal as it was a `step up' in his career development.
"Everyone seems desperate to put Sol in a difficult position as we build up to the game," the 32-year-old added. "But we need to put his situation into perspective. He made a decision to take a step up in his career and it's outrageous he's being punished for this."
Despite Bergkamp claiming Campbell will be able to handle the pressure, he has had an inauspicious start to his Arsenal career, with injuries and indifferent form leading to criticism, and the England man will be desperate for a polished performance to silence the Tottenham faithful.
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