Joel Campbell Squashes Arsenal Exit Rumors

Joel Campbell has been one of the premier bench warmers for Arsenal so far into the year, and at 22 years old, fresh off of a mighty impressive World Cup showing for everyone’s favorite underdog Costa Rica, that can be frustrating.

As such, rumors reared their ugly head and started hinting that Campbell would be moving on in January, with links in Italy and Portugal. But since then, Campbell has made an official statement on his personal website, as reported by SportsMole, that no such move was in place. Here’s what he said:

"“What they have been saying is not true, I’m very calm. I have not been furious. Obviously, yes, I would like to be playing, but that’s something that has to be earned day by day.“I have to keep training and waiting for the opportunity, I know it’s a very competitive team. Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world where there are many important players.“I have to be patient, keep training and I know my chance will arrive and I’ll have to take advantage of it when it comes. [I’ve learned] a lot [from Arsene Wenger]. He is a coach who has many years in football and with Arsenal. I am learning from him and from my peers every day in training.”"

These are inspiring words from Campbell. Instead of thinking he deserves playing time, he understands that it has to be earned, especially at midfield/wing for Arsenal, who have a surplus in that area alone.

It’s nice to be reassured that the young Costa Rican will (supposedly) be staying with Arsenal. Obviously it’s not just up to him, but after seeing him perform at the World Cup, I feel like Joel Campbell still has a lot to offer Arsenal and hopefully in the near future he’ll be able to showcase his talents and grow with the team.

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