‘Disgusting thing to do’: Micah Richards hits out at Arsenal legend for 2001 decision

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Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has been criticised by Micah Richards in the latest BBC Match of the Day Top 10 podcast.

Richards, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were discussing the top 10 Premier League transfer shocks, and Campbell’s controversial switch from Tottenham Hotspur to the Gunners made the list.

Campbell made his senior breakthrough while at Spurs and made 315 appearances for the Lilywhites, even captaining the club.

In the summer of 2001, Campbell’s contract expired, and he went on to join Tottenham’s fierce rivals on a free transfer.

The former England defender’s switch to Arsenal only made 10th on Shearer’s list, but Richards had it down at number one.

I got the news in Leeds! He was the captain of Spurs and went to their rivals,” he said, as quoted on BBC Sport. “I could understand if it was for £20-30m, but on a free transfer?

“It was the way that they announced it too, with just a few reporters in the room, it wasn’t great. It was awful, to be honest.

“He left his side in the lurch, and I lost a little bit of respect for him when he did that.

“I looked up to him massively. I thought he was undervalued as a player, but this was a disgusting thing to do. I do understand it from his point of view, though.”

Campbell, who won the 1999 League Cup with Spurs, went on to make 211 appearances for the Gunners and win two Premier League titles and three FA Cup whilst at Highbury.