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Joel Campbell: Emery told me he didn’t count on me

Joel Campbell has revealed what Unai Emery told him before he left the club for Frosinone.

“I left it in the most normal way,” Campbell told the media. “Emery had other plans for me. He had his team, his players and he told me in the most respectful way that he did not count on me, that it was best to find a new team. and I made the decision to join Frosinone.”

He was also asked about his relationship with Arsene Wenger. “He was always respectful,” he replied. “It was him who trusted [me enough] me to buy me. It is not easy for Arsenal to buy a player from Costa Rica, he saw something special in me and gave me this opportunity for which I will always be grateful. 

joel campbell real betis
forever on loan

“In the end, for one reason or another I made different decisions and I continued to enjoy football in several teams and I am very happy with my career.”

Campbell would be forgiven for thinking he was finally getting to start a new chapter of his life after sealing a permanent move away from the club.

But you should know not to tempt the footballing gods.

After missing most of last season through injury, Campbell was hoping he could build on a solid summer and really lay down a marker with his new club, Frosinone.

Naming their squad for two international friendlies against South Korea on September 7 and Japan on September 11, Costa Rica said, “An injury leaves out of the tour that will make the National Team of Costa Rica for Asia forward Joel Campbell. His place will be taken by Alajuelense Jonathan Moya.

“This was reported by the coaching staff of the Tricolor this Friday morning, after the report of the situation of the Italian team.

“Moya will travel to the Asian continent on Monday morning, in the second group of the Costa Rican delegation.”

Campbell finally brought the curtain down on what can only be described as a frustrating Arsenal career.

A total professional, Campbell never complained about being shunted around Europe on loan. Nor did he moan that, when he was finally given a chance at Arsenal and impressed, he was still sent away on loan again.

Campbell agreed a three-year deal with Frosinone, promoted this season to Serie A for only the second time in the club’s history.

Joel will no doubt hope that his young family can now settle in one place for more than a season and he can start building a career at the age of 26, however, it is still unclear at this point what his latest injury is or how long he will be out for.

https://twitter.com/joel_campbell12/status/1030450833140400128

“In life, we have to close cycles and it was time to do it and move forward in my sports career, I am excited and eager to work and defend this shirt,” he said.

https://twitter.com/joel_campbell12/status/1030454108031995905

“The Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world, it is an honour for me to be part of this tournament and I will fight 100% for the group goals.”

Even as he left, Campbell talked about the ‘pride’ he felt at having been part of Arsenal’s story.

Campbell will be the fifth Costa Rican to play in Serie A, following Hernán Medford, Winston Parks, Gilberto Martínez, Giancarlo González. Erick Cabalceta signed for Catania, but never actually played in Serie A.

The forward signed for Arsenal in 2011. He made a total of 40 appearances for the first team, scoring four and assisting six. He averaged 48 minutes per game.

His best spell after signing for Arsenal came with Olympiacos where he scored 11 and assisted 11 in 43 games. He scored a total of 29 goals, with 28 assists, after becoming an Arsenal player.

FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 14: Joel Campbell of Costa Rica celebrates scoring his team's first goal with the ball under his jersey during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Uruguay and Costa Rica at Castelao on June 14, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
FORTALEZA, BRAZIL – JUNE 14: Joel Campbell of Costa Rica celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with the ball under his jersey during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Uruguay and Costa Rica at Castelao on June 14, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Campbell arrived at Frosinone with their fans expecting big things from him. A small team, they are one of the favourites to be relegated this season and their fans are hopeful that Campbell can make a difference, as Italian journalist, Gaetano Mocciaro, explains.

“I can tell you that the squad has changed a lot, almost eleven players are new, it’s surprising that an international player like Campbell chose little Frosinone, surely Joel will be the star of this team, but we do not understand how an ex-Arsenal and ex-Betis player comes to this little club,” he said.

“The Frosinone is a very small team that returned to Serie A after two years in Serie B. I feel it can be one of the weakest teams in this league and the player who comes here has to know that he can suffer a fall [relegation] soon. The fans do have hope for the arrival of Joel.”

From being a tiny fish in the huge Arsenal pond, Campbell now finds himself in a position to make himself the star of the show.

Given how long was wasted with Arsenal, I really hope he is able to grab this chance and make something of his career.

Injuries permitting, of course…