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On this day in 2001: Sol Campbell swaps Tottenham for arch rivals Arsenal

Sol Campbell caused controversy on this day in 2001 when he crossed the north London divide and joined Arsenal from Tottenham on a free transfer.

The England defender quit White Hart Lane nine years after making his debut having come through the ranks at the club.

He was branded a ‘Judas’ and only last month said he still receives abuse from Spurs fans about the switch.

“I’ve made my decision and I just hope people respect it,” Campbell said after signing a four-year deal at Highbury. “Obviously I know what happened to (former Arsenal and Spurs boss) George Graham and what he had to deal with.

Arsenal Celebrate the Double
Sol Campbell won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal. (John Stillwell/PA)

“It is something I am prepared to face and hopefully it won’t be a major problem for me.”

Campbell initially went on to make 197 appearances, scoring 11 goals, for the Gunners whilst winning the Premier League twice – including their Invincible season in 2003-04 – and three FA Cups.

He also scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in 2006.

After moving to Portsmouth, and then a one-game spell at Notts County, Campbell returned to Arsenal in 2010, making 14 more appearances, before ending his career in 2011 with Newcastle.