Wenger backs Campbell´s brief encounter, Sven stunned

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes former England defender Sol Campbell quit English fourth-tier side Notts County after just one game because he believes he can still be a Premier League player.

Campbell, 35, terminated his five-year deal with Notts County, where former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is director of football, on Wednesday.

“He knew straight away that’s not where his challenge is,” said Wenger.

“It is always a cultural shock when you go down a level. I know from talking to players who have had to do that. I believe Sol still has enough in the locker to play in the Premier League.

“I knew it would be difficult for him there.”

However, Eriksson had less patience for the ex-Arsenal, Tottenham and Portsmouth defender who was earning a reported 40,000 pounds a week.

Asked if he felt let down by the ex-England defender’s swift exit, Eriksson told Sky Sports News: “Yes, a little bit.

“I am very disappointed because we signed him and we thought we should have him for longer. I think everyone has the same feeling, the players, the staff, the directors, the fans, because he’s a big name and a very important player.”

Campbell made his debut for Notts County in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Morecambe but left the club by mutual consent five days later.

“I really don’t know the real reason,” added Eriksson.

“He didn’t like the training pitch and the dressing room and things like that but he knew that before because we showed him around before he signed.

“We know we are not perfect at this moment and I don’t think that would be fair at all. It is a long-term project.”