Source: Daily_Mail
Sol raring to go as veteran claims: I'm in better shape now than when I left!
Sol Campbell has claimed he is in better shape now than when he quit Arsenal more than three years ago.[LNB]The 35-year-old is poised to complete his sensational return to the Gunners by lining up in their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. [LNB]Campbell has not played a competitive match since he left League One side Notts County in September. But the former England international has dismissed fears over his fitness and believes he can help fire the Gunners to success this season.[LNB] Batteries charged: Campbell hopes to be involved in Sunday's Cup clash against Stoke [LNB]'Personally I feel in better shape now physically than when I left Arsenal, because I am fresher.[LNB]'I played so many years, but the longest break I have ever had was probably two months. [LNB]'This time I have been able to train for six months, without the stress of building up for games and all the travelling. [LNB]'All that takes it toll and I have not had that, so I am reallyfresh - I am loving it. The batteries have been recharged and thestamina you need to go through a whole season - that is there.'[LNB]Former glories: Campbell lifts the Premier League trophy in 2004[LNB]With William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen proving an impressivepairing at the heart of the Arsenal defence, Campbell, has signed adeal until the end of the season as cover.[LNB]But the former Spurs skipper fully intends to play his part, both on and off the field. [LNB]'I am there if there are any injuries, and tiredness or if the bosswants to make a change for a cup game or whatever. Basically I am thereto help out in any capacity,' he said. [LNB]'But of course I want to influence things, whether it is from thebench or wherever. I want to help the team and give everything I canwhen I am called upon. [LNB]'The gaffer has said I am here to push the team on - to do what I donaturally, be a good character around the dressing room. [LNB]'That is what it is all about - let's make sure the level does not drop.' [LNB]Campbell, capped 73 times by England, spent five successful seasonsat Arsenal following a then highly-controversial move from arch-rivalsTottenham during 2001. [LNB]He was part of the Invincibles team of 2003/2004, won three FA Cupsand scored in the 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelonabefore heading to Fratton Park, where he would go on to lift the FA Cupagain in 2008. [LNB]It is understood offers were also on the table from Hull and Newcastle, but Arsenal was always Campbell's first choice. [LNB] Wrong move: Campbell played just one game for Notts County [LNB][LNB] 'Honestly, I did not think twice,' the veteran defender said.'There were other options, but once I knew Arsenal were in for me,there was no question in my mind. [LNB] 'I was willing to wait for Arsenal to make the move, that was mypriority. I am so happy to be back here, to be part of this fantasticArsenal team.' [LNB]Campbell - who is suing Pompey for some £1.7million he claims isowed for image rights and bonus payments - refused to rule out thepossibility of extending his return past the summer. [LNB]He said: 'I just want to work hard for six months and whateverhappens after that, who knows? Look where I was six months ago. [LNB]'Every time I get on that pitch, I will be positive and give it my all.' [LNB] 'Rough and aggressive' Stoke ready oust Arsenal, says striker FullerArsenal on top: Wenger's players kept faith when the world wrote them offArsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United? Sportsmail's lowdown on the deciding factors in the Premier League title race ARSENAL FC
