Joel Campbell has told the media in Costa Rica that he is obsessed with playing at Arsenal and will happily go out on loan again as he bides his time.

The forward has been with Villarreal since January and while Arsene Wenger has said that Campbell, along with other loanees, will be returning to the club in the summer, not many people think he will be involved with the first team next season – at least not in any meaningful sort of way.

Set to join up with his national side for the Gold Cup, Campbell also told La Nacion that he is ‘still young’ and his only concern at the minute is to enjoy playing football, seeing sport as a passion not a business.

“For the truth I am very happy, I played every game since I arrived [at Villarreal] and I came good,” Campbell said. “I want to show that in the [national team] selection and Gold Cup.

“[I] would have liked to have scored more goals and made more assists, but that will come in time. For now I am very happy and look forward to working to improve.

“I know that not only Arsenal can win, I give thanks to God for giving me the gift of this sport, to keep me healthy and regardless of the country where I am, to me what interests me is playing football. It’s a race that lasts 10 or 15 years and I have an obsession to play at Arsenal, I still have many years of my contract and I am calm. 

“If I have the chance [with Arsenal in pre-season], I will try to do my best and but the idea is to go on loan to high-level teams, who play Europa League or Champions League. I’m enjoying it and that is very good.

“Since I left the country I have not been desperate to play. In a year I had the option to stay, but I preferred to go on loan to Olympiacos to reach the World Cup. I also spent six months without playing much in the club, but that’s part of football, one has to go through tough stages.

“It is normal because I have many years of contract, but after the preseason I do not know if I stay or if I’m going on loan or if I will play at Arsenal. 

“I still prepare well, to do well with the team and fight for my dreams.

“It is not up to me. In football there are a lot of very good players that the coach [Wenger] has not given the opportunity. Also, I am aware that Arsenal have good players. If you see, Theo Walcott has spent many years at the club and almost did not play this. It is not easy.

“To me I like any league. The only thing that interests me is playing football. I do not see sport as a business but as a passion and I play for fun, like I was in the street or in the neighbourhood, because football is not forever and you have to enjoy it.”