Yahoo News Tyrese Campbell pays heartbreaking tribute to 'one in a million' dad Kevin Campbell
Tyrese Campbell says the flood of love about his dad Kevin has been a source of some comfort as they try to deal with the 'indescribable' pain of his death.
Kevin Campbell, the former Arsenal, Everton and Nottingham Forest striker who was working as a Premier League pundit right up until the season ended last month, has died at the age of 54. He had been battling a serious illness that saw him admitted to hospital a couple of weeks ago.
Tributes have been paid from across the football world, led by teammates, friends and colleagues. It has been sharply felt at Stoke City too, where Kevin had been a familiar face at first team and youth matches over the last eight years since his son Tyrese joined the club from Manchester City.
Tyrese posted on social media: "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 who 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 respected as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable father, brother, uncle and all-round amazing human being."
Kevin won the top flight title, FA Cup and League Cup with Arsenal, helped Nottingham Forest win promotion to the Premier League, was part of a famous great escape from relegation at West Bromwich Albion and was a fans' favourite at Everton, where he was the club's first black captain.
Former Forest teammate Mark Crossley said: "Life can be so cruel at times Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate Kevin Campbell’s passing, a true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy, thoughts are with all his family and friends RIP mate."
Darren Fletcher, the BBC radio presenter, said: "Absolutely devastated that Kevin Campbell has passed away. He’s been my mate since he joined Forest in 1995 and my colleague on the radio in more recent times. They called him ‘Super Kev’ - cos he was a beloved player. But he was Super Kev because he was a super bloke RIP mate."
Tyrese Campbell has also been shaken by the loss today of his former Stoke teammate Matija Sarkic, who has died at the age of 26.
He added: "What an awful day. RIP Matty. Love and condolences to your family and loved ones."
