Joel Campbell insists he isn’t playing for a move at the World Cup this summer, and only wants to help Costa Rica to success at the tournament.

There’s been plenty of speculation about the future of Campbell, after another year out on loan in 2017/18. His injury problems prevented him from playing much of a part for Real Betis, but he made a strong finish to the season, and got a call up from his country for the World Cup.

With a year left on his contract, you could be forgiven for thinking Campbell might want to show himself off at the tournament, to earn a transfer to a new club. However, he says this isn’t what the competition is about, for him.

“The World Cup won’t change my life, I don’t come here to show myself,” Campbell said (via Goal). “I came to help my national team, everyone writes his own history and we have to look after group. I know about my contract and I know who I am. God has a plan for me.”

Whatever he says, the World Cup is very likely to play a big part in Campbell’s future. If he plays well and drags Costa Rica through the group stage, Arsenal will get plenty of offers, and Unai Emery might even think about giving him a chance at the Emirates.

If he doesn’t perform, the job of selling him becomes much more difficult. A player in poor form who spent most of the year injured won’t attract much attention. For his sake, let’s hope the next few weeks go well.