Arsenal winger Joel Campbell says he does not know where he will be playing his football next season after Sporting Lisbon turned down the opportunity to sign the Costa Rican on a permanent basis.
The 24 year old has spent the season on loan in Portugal but did not do enough during his spell in the Primeira Liga to earn himself a transfer. Asked about his time with Sporting by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Campbell was philosophical, stating:
“In fact, it was a very good stage. I am 24 years old, I have been in several leagues and it has helped me to accumulate experience to become a better player and a better person. So I am satisfied.”
When asked about what happens now he is returning to the Gunners, the winger was less forthcoming, only saying he is focused on playing for the Costa Rican national team, for their World Cup qualifying matches against Panama and Trinidad & Tobago early next month:
“Now I will be concentrating only on the national team. When I have to return to Arsenal, we’ll see what happens. I showed this season that I can be an option, I played 30 games, but in football there are always good circumstances and others not so much.”
Campbell was mostly used as a substitute by Sporting manager Jorge Jesus this season. He started just 11 of his 28 matches for the Portuguese club this campaign, scoring three goals and providing four assists.