Wayne Rooney pays emotional tribute to 'brilliant' to former Everton team-mate Kevin Campbell
The former Everton, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest striker has sadly died aged 54.
Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Kevin Campbell after the former Everton striker passed away aged 54 following a battle with illness.
Arriving in March 1998 on loan from Trabzonspor, Campbell fired nine goals in just eight games as he inspired the Toffees’ successful fight against Premier League relegation. He then joined permanently and netted a further 39 goals in 151 games, while he served as captain for the 2001-02 season.
Earlier in his career, Campbell won the First Division title and the FA Cup with Arsenal. He also had spells at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.
Campbell was adored by Evertonians and was always given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Goodison Park after his playing career. Rooney shared a dressing room with Campbell for two seasons and has said he is ‘absolutely devastated’ by the ex-forward’s death.
Rooney wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. Thinking of all his family and friends. Kev was a great team-mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”
Everton have confirmed that they will pay tribute to Campbell when the 2024-25 season starts.