Everton have sent a “get well soon” message to their former striker Kevin Campbell, who is “very unwell” in hospital.
The Merseyside club reported that the 54-year-old, who began his career at Arsenal, fell ill last week.
“Not just a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin is, and always has been, a fighter and we wish him and his family well at this challenging time. Sending all our love,” Everton said in a statement posted on X., external
Campbell emerged from Arsenal’s youth system, debuting in 1988. After loan spells at Leyton Orient and Leicester City, he became part of Arsenal’s championship-winning team in 1990–91.
He played a role in Arsenal’s FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, as well as their European Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1994.
Following stints with Nottingham Forest and Turkish club Trabzonspor, Campbell joined Everton on loan in March 1999. He scored nine goals in the Toffees’ final eight Premier League matches, aiding them in avoiding relegation.
Campbell then made a permanent switch to Everton that summer, spending over five seasons with the club.
He concluded his career with tenures at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City, amassing a total of 148 goals from 542 appearances. Since retiring, he has worked as a media pundit.