Kevin Campbell at Arsenal in 1993 (Getty)
Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell has died aged 54.
Earlier this month, it emerged that Campbell was seriously ill in hospital with kidney failure.
Campbell began his career at Arsenal and spent eight seasons with the Gunners, helping them win the First Division title in 1991, the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. He made a total of213 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 59 goals.
Arsenal said in a statement: ‘We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.
‘Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.’
Kevin Campbell (2L) celebrates winning the First Division title with Arsenal in 1991 (Getty)
Kevin Campbell celebrates with Ian Wright at Arsenal (EMPICS Sport)
Campbell then moved to Nottingham Forest in 1995 and after being part of the team that was relegated from the Premier League two years later, he helped the club secure promotion back to the top flight by winning the First Division title in 1998.
Campbell then spent seven months in Turkey at Trabzonspor before returning to the Premier League at Everton, initially on loan before his move was made permanent for £3 million in 1999.
He made 151 appearances for Everton, scoring 39 goals, before finishing his career at West Brom.
Kevin Campbell scored 39 goals in 151 games for Everton (Getty)
In their statement, Everton said: ‘Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the Club’s most popular and much-loved former strikers, Kevin Campbell, at the age of 54.
‘Not just a true Goodison Park hero and huge fans’ favourite, Kevin was the Blues’ first black captain and also an incredible person, as anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would know.
‘Kevin was always afforded the warmest of welcomes when he returned to Merseyside – and quite right, too.
‘He was a giant of a man, a fabulous footballer and he will be sorely missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him.
‘The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with his family at this extremely sad time and we will, of course, pay a suitable tribute when next season kicks off.’
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