Source: Daily_Mail
Wenger: Campbell can use Arsenal as a stepping stone for England
Arsene Wenger believes Sol Campbell could play his way back into the England squad for the World Cup in South Africa in the summer.[LNB]Back in an Arsenal shirt: Sol Campbell against West Ham reserves this week[LNB]Campbell has officially completed his return to Arsenal by signing a deal until the end of the season. [LNB]The club this morning confirmed his signing although he is not expected to be involved in tomorrow's trip to Bolton.[LNB]'We are delighted to have signed Sol Campbell until the end of theseason,' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. [LNB]'For both club and country, Sol's career justspeaks for itself. He is a hugely experienced and intelligentfootballer, who will bring a great amount of quality and knowledge toour squad. Sol as a player and a person will be an enormous asset tous. [LNB]'Sol has been training with us since September and during this timehe has shown he still has the required fitness, hunger and passion tocompete at the top level.'[LNB]And while Wenger is more concerned with Campbell giving cover to his back four in the Premier League, he reckons the 35-year-old has the dedication and the physical talent to resurrect his international career.[LNB]Wenger said: 'It (England) is not the immediate target but you should not rule anything out. That is not my worry and my job but if you were in his position what would you want to do? You would want to give your best and you never know. It is unlikely maybe, but if you are in his shoes you would say 'Let's give as much as I can' and you never know.'[LNB]Campbell, meanwhile, could not hide his delight at sealing a return to the Gunners.[LNB]'I'm so happy to be rejoining Arsenal,' he said. 'I have manygreat memories from being here before and still have many friends atthe club. [LNB] Three Lions: Wayne Rooney, Sol Campbell and Joleon Lescott during England's 2-1 defeat against Russia in 2007 [LNB][LNB]'I've been working very hard at the Arsenal training ground, I feelreally good at the moment and I'm ready to give my all. We're in astrong position and I want to help Arsenal be successful this season.' [LNB]The centre back should not feature in the squad which travels to Bolton on Sunday, a squad which is boosted by the return of captain Cesc Fabregas, following his hamstring injury, and full-back Gael Clichy, who has recovered from a back problem.[LNB]But Wenger expects Campbell to feature in a busy month ahead which includes crucial games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as well as a tricky FA Cup tie at Stoke.[LNB]Delight: Campbell admitted he was 'so happy' to be rejoining the Gunners and former mentor Wenger[LNB]Wenger said: 'I have seen him in training and he is very sharp. His attitude is good, his talent is good. But it is the game which decides.'[LNB]Campbell, who played 45 minutes in the reserves earlier this week, was a key part of both the Arsenal double-winning side of 2002 and the 'Invincibles' who went through an entire season undefeated two years later.[LNB]When asked whether he regretted allowing Campbell to leave in 2006, Wenger said: 'Life is life. He wanted to go abroad. I did not make him leave. He wanted to go. We live in a world where everybody is free to do what he wants with his life.[LNB]'It gives us the opportunity to have one more centre-back. Sol will give us experience, good advice and physically he has worked very hard.[LNB]'It is an opportunity for him to relaunch his career and for us it is a good help for the rest of the season. He is dedicated, motivated and looks happy to be back.'[LNB]Wenger insisted, however, that William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen were his first-choice centre-backs and admitted that out-of-favour Philippe Senderos could be on his way out of the club soon.[LNB]The Arsenal boss also believes any team with 36 points or more can still win the title this season - which includes Tottenham on 37 and Manchester City on 38 as well as Arsenal, Manchester United and leaders Chelsea, who have 45.[LNB] The way we were: Arsene Wenger and Sol Campbell back in 2004[LNB]'All the teams who have over 36 can still hope,' said Wenger. 'There has been a general lift in the level of the teams. In January no team is completely out of anything.[LNB]'There are teams who play for the title and the Champions League and teams who play not to go down. Usually you have six or seven teams not concerned at either end. This year that is not the case. There is life in every game.'[LNB]Wenger recognises the trip to Bolton, where new manager Owen Coyle takes chargein his first game, will be tough.[LNB]He said: 'Any team is awkward in the league at the moment for everybody. Every team is highly motivated against us. We are used to that. If we play at our best we can win whatever happens to Bolton.[LNB]'Owen Coyle has done extremely well and I expect him to do well at Bolton.'[LNB] Arsenal eye £12million-rated Spain Under-21 full-back Cesar AzpilicuetaEXCLUSIVE: Arsenal relief as Arshavin insists he doesn't need foot operationRepublic of Ireland to face Brazil in glamour game at Emirates StadiumCheer up Rafael Benitez: Sportsmail remembers his top five Liverpool moments - and his worst ARSENAL FC
