Meet the Arsenal man finally ready to make his Emirates impact
Published:Signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2011, issues with a work permit prevented Joel Campbell from making any appearances for the Gunners for the following two campaigns.
But now the Costa Rican forward has shot into the limelight by scoring a beautiful goal to stun Manchester United in the Champions League while on loan at Olympiacos and announced he is at long last ready for a crack at the Premier League.
Speaking to press in the aftermath of a glorious night in Europe the self-confessed Arsenal fan exclaimed: “As soon as Arsenal came, I wanted to join them and I believe I am ready to play for Arsenal next season.”
“I know I have the capacity to play there. I am only waiting for the opportunity. With hard work I know I can get there.”
The Greek side, who are now the 4/11 favourites to make the last eight of the competition at United’s expense, is actually Campbell’s third destination since arriving on European shores as a 19-year-old.
Failure for the attacker to obtain a British work permit after moving from Costa Rican club Saprissa saw the teenager immediately released on a season-long loan to French side Lorient, before joining La Liga outfit Real Betis at the beginning of the last campaign on a similar deal.
And although his paperwork had finally been sorted by the start of this campaign, Arsenal saw fit to let the 21-year-old have another season away to hone his skills and it’s in Athens where his career has really kicked off.
That curled effort against United, after skilfully nutmegging Michael Carrick, was Campbell’s eighth of the season for the runaway Greek Super League leaders.
Meanwhile, his record at international level is mightily impressive for such a young player where he has scored 8 times, winning 30 caps already.
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