Ian Wright close to tears as Arsenal icon pays tribute to Kevin Campbell

Ian Wright was close to tears during an emotional tribute towards the late Kevin Campbell.

Campbell’s passing was announced on Saturday morning, with the ex-Arsenal star visibly moved when speaking about his former team-mate.

Speaking ahead of Spain vs Croatia on ITV, the 60-year-old said: “I can’t really go too deep into it, it’s very fresh, I only heard this morning. Obviously my best wishes and condolences go to his family.

“It’s too soon for me to speak about it, anytime I start talking about it I start to well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people.”

Host Mark Pougatch was next to join in the tributes, commenting: “It was the sheer joy on his face of playing football, playing for Arsenal, where he came through the ranks.

“Some wonderful memories, great human being, we’ve worked with him in the media as well. Loved wearing a bow tie when he came on the television.

“Our very best wishes and condolences go to Kevin Campbell’s family.”

Wright had previously taken to social media to share his heartbreak, with the former professional posting nine crying emojis to his X account when the news broke.

Arsenal were among the Premier League clubs to pay tribute, posting: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.

“Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”

Campbell’s former club Everton added: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.

“Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”

Campbell was best known for successful spells with Arsenal and Everton, having joined the former as a schoolboy in 1985.

The Lambeth-born ace registered over 200 appearances for the Gunners, winning five major honours during his time at the club.

Spells at Nottingham Forest and Trabzonspor – among others – followed, before Campbell joined Everton in 1999, where he notched up 50 goals in 160 matches.