Campbell secures Gunners return

Published Jan. 16, 2010 2:10 a.m. ET

foxsports

Sol Campbell has officially completed his return to Arsenal by signing a short-term contract with the Gunners until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old defender appeared in a midweek reserve match against West Ham and confirmed his intention then to play again for Arsene Wenger.

On Saturday, the club confirmed his signing although he is not expected to be involved in Sunday's Premier League game at Bolton.

The move completes a dramatic turnaround for a player who earlier this season was playing at League Two Notts County, only making one appearance before quitting.

Campbell returns to the club he left in 2006 to join Portsmouth. However, he is best remembered at Arsenal for helping the club win two Premier League titles, including the 2003-04 season when the Gunners went unbeaten.

Wenger opened the door to Arsenal's training ground to Campbell following his exit from County, and his efforts sufficiently impressed the Frenchman to sign him up again.

"We are delighted to have signed Sol Campbell until the end of the season,'' Wenger said.

"For both club and country, Sol's career just speaks for itself. He is a hugely experienced and intelligent footballer, who will bring a great amount of quality and knowledge to our squad. Sol as a player and a person will be an enormous asset to us.

"Sol has been training with us since September and during this time he has shown he still has the required fitness, hunger and passion to compete at the top level.''

Campbell will be asked to provide some veteran leadership to the Gunners as they seek to keep pace with Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle for the title.

"I'm so happy to be rejoining Arsenal,'' Campbell said. "I have many great memories from being here before and still have many friends at the club.

"I've been working very hard at the Arsenal training ground, I feel really good at the moment and I'm ready to give my all. We're in a strong position and I want to help Arsenal be successful this season.''