Kevin Campbell's poignant final Instagram selfie before tragic death

Former Arsenal and Everton forward Kevin Campbell shared a poignant final message on social media before his tragic death.

The ex-footballer passed away aged 54 after being hospitalised in late May. His death was confirmed by Arsenal.

His final post on Instagram was a selfie - back in march 2023 - and showed him partnering with a firm known for their dedication to creating health-boosting food and drink products. The legend captioned the image: "I have got it thanks Earthborn Naturals. Health is Wealth."

His last message will serve as a reminder to all.

The much-loved footballer enjoyed a career on the pitch that lasted almost two decades before moving on to work as a pundit following his retirement in 2007.

Hundreds of tributes poured in for the popular star after his sudden death.

A statement shared by Arsenal read:"We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.", reports the Mirror.

Ian Wright, Campbell's fellow Arsenal player and currently an ITV Sport pundit for Euro 2024, said he was devastated by the loss of his close friend. When invited to share some words about his friend, Wright confessed: "I can't really go too deep into it."

"It's very fresh. I only heard this morning. Obviously my best wishes and condolences go to his family but it's too soon for me to talk about it. Anytime I start to talk about it I well up. He meant the whole world to a lot of people, especially myself."

His son Tyrese Campbell also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. The former Stoke striker penned: "I appreciate my Dad was admired by many and the outpouring of love has been some comfort for us as a family, so thank you for that at such a difficult time."

"The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you look at your Dad as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up. He was the life and soul of every party and room he blessed, a one in a million person that was loved by everyone, a special special person. I'll miss you Dad.

"I would now ask that the privacy of our family is respect as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable Father, Brother, Uncle and all round amazing human being. Love you always Dad."

Campbell's illustrious career began at Arsenal, where he made his first-team debut after a successful junior scoring record, including a hat-trick in the Gunners' 1988 FA Youth Cup win, and loan spells at Leicester and Leyton Orient.

During his time at Arsenal, he netted 59 goals in 224 appearances and won the league title in 1990-91, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup. In 1995, Campbell moved to Nottingham Forest where he spent three years before a brief stint at Trabzonspor and then joining Everton in 1999.

He remained with the Toffees until 2005, serving as captain under Walter Smith, and concluded his career with spells at West Brom and Cardiff. Nigel Quashie, a former teammate at West Brom, reflected on his time playing alongside Campbell.

"Growing up you along with many footballers who made it out of South London gave me hope of trying to be a footballer one day," he said.

"I signed for WBA and the next day I was given the opportunity to go on a team trip to Dubai. Once arrived at the hotel I got my room key in reception and asked who I was sharing with and they said Kevin Campbell."

"All I could think about walking to the room was I'm sharing with Kevin Campbell. What a player and career who was well respected in the game."

"You even gave me my nickname in football. I walked in the door of the room and all I hear is Ninja that you, Ninja how you doing ? You said I've been at an airport, checked in, gone through customs, got on the plane, arrived in Dubai and not been around you until you walk in this room, how's that possible and you even walk in here quietly and then said I thought the deal fell through! You never called me by my first name again to this day."

"Stories, Banter, Leadership, Always Positive, Genuine and The list Could Go ON and ON....... You knew how to light up a room also get a smile out of people on and off the pitch. I'm just glad I got the opportunity to smile around you, train and play with somebody I looked up to from being a kid."

"We Have Lost A Special Person Today Who Will Be Truly Missed. Sleep Well King Kev."

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