LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

‘Get away’: Campbell stunned by ‘issue’ regarding £220k-a-week Arsenal player

8 May 1999: Kevin Campbell of Everton celebrates one of his three goals in the FA Carling Premiership match against West Ham United at Goodison Pa...
Follow us on Google Discover
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Kevin Campbell has defended Arsenal winger Willian on Highbury Squad.

The former Arsenal striker has said that he cannot understand why there is so much fuss over Willian reportedly going to Dubai during the international break.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that it has been dealt internally, as quoted on the club’s official website, and there have been criticisms levelled at the Brazil international.

The 32-year-old, who can also operate as an attacking midfielder and joined the Gunners in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea, has not been playing well either.

Campbell said on Highbury Squad: “I think the important thing to remember is this. Whether people like it or not, if Arsenal had won against Aston Villa, you beat Manchester United and then you beat Aston Villa, nobody would say anything. Nobody would have said a word.

“But the fact of the matter is they haven’t been performing, Willian has not hit that heights that he usually hits etc, now all of a sudden it’s an issue. You can travel, he has got the opportunity to travel. You cannot go to Dubai without having a Covid test. That’s a fact.”

The Englishman added: “Why not take a few days in the sunshine and get away from it all? I don’t know how that is a problem. I just don’t get it.”

30 Nov 1994: Portrait of Kevin Campbell of Arsenal ‘steaming” during a Coca Cola Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday at Highbury in London. Arsenal won the match 2-0. Mandatory… (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Does Kevin Campbell have a point?

People are allowed to travel outside the UK for work or for education, and Willian has claimed that he did not break any law as he went to Dubai for business reasons, as reported by The London Evening Standard.

Campbell does have a point in regard to Willian – who earns £220,000 per week as salary, according to The Sun – getting criticism because he has not been playing well.

Had the former Chelsea star been in great form, then his reported trip to Dubai would not have made the headlines.

What Willian now needs to do is work hard and start performing on the pitch for Arsenal.

Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images