Wayne Rooney sends heartfelt tribute to former teammate Kevin Campbell after sad death

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sent a heartfelt tribute to former Everton team-mate Kevin Campbell, who has sadly passed away at the age of 54.

Campbell had been in hospital after being taken ill earlier this month, and the news of his death was confirmed on Saturday morning. His management posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Wow this one really hurts. Rest easy KC a true friend and gentleman. Thoughts with Kev's 2 boys and the rest of his family."

A number of former teammates have sent their tributes to Campbell, who is loved and adored by so many both in and out of the football world. Rooney, who played alongside Campbell at Everton, was among those to send an emotional message as he praised how he helped him during his career.

Rooney said on 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," followed with a blue heart emoji.

Paul Merson and Tony Adams who shared the dressing room with Campbell at Arsenal were also among those to send a tribute. Merson wrote: "RIP! Devastating news… top bloke, great player, absolute gentlemen. Thoughts are with his family."

Arsenal, who also paid tribute, wrote: "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."

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Adams added: "Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. Love you Super Kev, Skipper."

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer meanwhile, shared Arsenal's post and commented: "Oh nooooooo. RIP Big Man."

Campbell's former Nottingham Forest team-mate Mark Crossley added: "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."

During his career, Campbell played for eight clubs and scored 149 goals in 521 appearances. After retiring in May 2007, Campbell dipped into the media world and worked for the likes of Sky Sports and talkSPORT.