Reports – Arsenal new signing getting jeered at by his new teammates during training; he was extremely stressed.”

In 2001, Sol Campbell’s crossing of the north London divide elicited such indignation that his Arsenal teammates booed him during training to prepare him for the hostile reaction he would receive against Tottenham.

Sol Campbell is one of the few footballers who currently or previously evokes as much animosity from a fanbase as he does among Tottenham supporters.

Campbell’s transfer from Spurs to Arsenal, his northern London rivals, is perhaps the only transfer that is as seismic as Luis Figo’s from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000. Campbell was once a Tottenham fan-favorite, rising through the youth ranks to become one of the world’s finest centre backs and captaining the team, despite the fact that it is difficult to imagine now.

However, the former England international is now simply known as “He Who Must Not Be Named” or, in straightforward English, “Judas” to those who once held him in high regard. That is due to the unexpected events that occurred on July 1, 2001, when Campbell was introduced as an Arsenal player.

Outside of Campbell, his counsel, chairman David Dein, and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, no one was aware of the event.

The announcement of his departure from the Lilywhites to the red and white was so unexpected that only two journalists were present, as they believed they had been summoned to the club’s London Colney training site to witness the unveiling of former Ipswich Town custodian Richard Wright. Campbell, in contrast, entered the room with an imposing presence.

The remainder is Arsenal’s history. Campbell’s initial tenure with the club from 2001 to 2006 was exceedingly prosperous, as he secured two Premier League and FA Cup triumphs, including a “Invincible” season in 2003/04.Despite the fact that his slightest mention incites tremors in N17, Campbell continues to harbour no remorse regarding the relocation. The cloak and dagger nature of the announcement and the months leading up to the transfer further exacerbated the agony, despite the fact that he was exceptionally talented and chose Arsenal.

Spurs extended an offer to Campbell to sign a new contract, which would have resulted in him becoming the highest-paid player in the club’s history. He even provided Spurs with numerous public assurances that he would be “staying” before announcing that he needed to depart in order to participate in Champions League football.

Tottenham fans may have anticipated Barcelona or Inter Milan, but they did not anticipate their peers from Highbury. To add insult to injury, Spurs would not receive a single euro for the player they had developed since 1989 as a result of the Bosman ruling.

At the time, Campbell attributed his decision to Arsenal’s success, stating, “I am ambitious and aspire to play football at the highest level, which is why I am here.”

The prospect of playing alongside Campbell’s former adversary was initially perplexing to even his new teammates at Colney. The defender was reportedly hissed by them during training, but this was merely to prepare him for the onslaught of animosity that was to come.

When questioned about the jeers, Wenger responded to the German magazine 11 Freunde by stating, “They did that and they also made jokes about it.” Sol reported to me that the situation was exceedingly distressing, and he elaborated on its severity.

“Due to the Tottenham fans’ fury, he was unable to dine at specific establishments or roam freely in London.” In retrospect, I am uncertain as to whether I would re-sign him in light of the challenges he encountered.

“I believed he was capable of confronting the adversity.” It was effortless for me, as everyone was aware that I had acquired an exceptional player. However, it was more intricate for him.”

Wenger also disclosed the circumstances that led to the relocation, stating, “At that time, it was somewhat simpler to remain undetected.” One of the factors is that it was not completed until it was too late.

“We strolled together at one o’clock in the morning to discuss [signing]… because he was concerned that it would be discovered.” This is a transfer that we conducted at David Dein’s residence, and occasionally, we conducted meetings at 11 p.m. to ensure that no one could observe us. Unbelievable is the narrative.

The agreement we had never materialised. Certainly, Sol was aware that he was signing for us prior to the final week of his contract. Before that, he had assured us that he would sign on our behalf.

On November 17, 2001, Campbell’s long-awaited return to White Hart Lane for a Premier League north London derby ultimately transpired. Leaflets were distributed outside the stadium in anticipation of his return, requesting that the man they had previously revered be treated with contempt for one minute.

He emerged from the tunnel to the sound of deafening booing. He was then subjected to at least two missiles and banners featuring the word “Judas.” Years later, Campbell, who was 26 years old at the time, recounted to The Guardian that the game was “an inferno of hatred that day.”

He stated, “The coach was attacked with bricks, and a burning effigy of me was placed on it. Even the benevolent individuals in the vicinity accepted it.” ‘Oh, Sol is quite substantial. He is capable of handling it.

“I had to delve deeply into my own being, and I underwent a transformation.” In the span of 90 minutes, I was required to acquire the skills necessary to manage those circumstances and to participate in a football game. I was compelled to engage in a mental conflict, and I assured myself that I would emerge victorious. All I could do was play football for an exceptional team. However, I am currently incapable of doing so. I am unable to provide evidence to support my position on the pitch.

Ray Parlour, another Arsenal legend, was also involved in the brief journey across north London that day. He described the circumstances outside the stadium as “the most terrifying I have ever experienced.” Parlour recollected, “The most intense game I have ever witnessed was Sol Campbell’s inaugural game at White Hart Lane.” Wow!

Upon exiting Tottenham, one must execute a hard left at a T-junction. The police were present on our carriage, advising us to proceed at a rapid pace and refrain from stopping. This was risky.We proceeded around this corner with such rapidity that all of the plates were expelled from the cupboards. Destroy! We were under the impression that the window had been installed.