Campbell apologises to Tottenham fans for Arsenal move... but has no regrets over 'very successful' transfer to north London rivals



Sol Campbell has moved to build bridges between himself and Tottenham fans by apologising for leaving Spurs for north London rivals Arsenal in 2001.



Although the former England international admits he holds no regrets after such a successful time at Arsenal, but is sorry for the 'pain' he caused Spurs fans.



Speaking to Sky Sports News' Geoff Shreeves, Campbell said: 'I'm sorry about the situation with me going and I’m sorry how it happened.

Apology: Sol Campbell has apologised to Tottenham fans for the way he left the club

'I’m not going to apologise for the move (to Arsenal) because I was very successful.



'I’m sorry about the hurt it inflicted on them.'

Campbell, vilified by Spurs fans ever since the move, also revealed that he can't quite believe the amount of hatred he still receives from the Tottenham faithful.



He added: 'I am shocked a little bit. It's been well over a decade, but you've got to look at the situation.



'The Spurs fans appreciated me and I tried to move the club on when I was there.

'I even proposed a contract to them and I thought If they can pay me this, they can pay other guys to move the club on.'



Spur: Campbell claims he wanted to help move Tottenham forward

Bitter? Campbell (right) only skippered England for three of his 73 matches he played

Golden generation: Campbell believes he was dropped from the captaincy pecking order despite playing well

Campbell's biography sparked controversy last week when it was suggested that he was never made England captain for a long period because of the colour of his skin.



He played 73 times for England during his career but saw players such as David Beckham, Michael Owen and John Terry take the armband ahead of him. He only skippered the side on three occasions.



The former Arsenal defender continued: 'I should have captained England more times for the ability that I possessed.



'I was one of the best defenders in the world. I went from vice captain to nothing, even though my performances were improving. That's is what I feel. People might agree or disagree.'

Split loyalties: Campbell claims he wanted to stay at Tottenham for longer than he did



Gunner: Campbell played for Arsenal from 2001-06 and then again for a short time in 2010