Sol Campbell reveal the text Ledley King sent him after he made his Arsenal debut
Sol Campbell Reveals the Text Ledley King Sent Him After Making His Arsenal Debut
Sol Campbell’s shocking switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in the summer of 2001 remains one of the most seismic and controversial transfers in Premier League history. The move sent shockwaves across North London, with Spurs fans left furious and betrayed by the departure of their captain to their most bitter rivals. But while much of the backlash came from supporters, Campbell has now revealed that even some of his closest teammates struggled to accept his decision — including lifelong friend and Spurs legend Ledley King
Speaking in a recent interview, Campbell opened up about the aftermath of the transfer and the wave of emotions he experienced, not just from the media and fans, but also from those he left behind at White Hart Lane. Among them was King, who had grown up through the Tottenham academy and played alongside Campbell in defence before the move.
“When I made my debut for Arsenal, I was expecting a lot of noise — and I got it,”** Campbell said.
“But what I didn’t expect was the text I received from Ledley that night.”
According to Campbell, King reached out with a message that was both heartfelt and conflicted — reflecting the difficulty of seeing a close friend walk away from the club they both loved.
“He said something like, ‘I’m not gonna lie, I’m fuming you left us — especially to them. But I still wish you the best in your career. You’ve always been top class.’”
It was a message that stuck with Campbell. While many in the Spurs dressing room reportedly felt blindsided and betrayed, King’s words showed a level of honesty, maturity, and personal loyalty that cut through the rivalry.
“I could tell he was hurt. He didn’t pretend otherwise,”** Campbell said.
“But he also showed he respected me as a player and as a mate. That meant more to me than any headline.”
Ledley King and Sol Campbell had shared more than just a backline — they were both symbols of hope for Tottenham’s future. Campbell, the experienced and commanding captain, and King, the young, composed defender rising through the ranks. Many had expected them to lead Spurs forward as a defensive pairing for years. Campbell’s sudden departure to Arsenal shattered that vision, and it’s clear now that King took it personally — even if he didn’t let that ruin their friendship.
“Ledley’s a proper professional and a good man,” Campbell continued.
“He was disappointed, maybe even angry, but he didn’t hold onto bitterness. That’s rare in this game.”
Campbell went on to win multiple trophies at Arsenal, including two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, and played a central role in the historic “Invincibles” season. King remained loyal to Tottenham his entire career, eventually becoming club captain and a respected ambassador despite battling chronic knee issues that limited his playing time.
Their paths diverged dramatically — one chasing silverware with a fierce rival, the other staying loyal through thick and thin — but the mutual respect between them remained intact.
“I always appreciated that message from Ledley,” Campbell said.
“Even in disappointment, he showed class. He cared about the club, but he also cared about me.”
More than two decades later, the sting of that transfer still lingers for many Tottenham fans. But Campbell’s story offers a rare and poignant glimpse behind the scenes — a reminder that even in the heart of football’s fiercest rivalries, real friendships can endure, even if tested by the biggest of decisions.