Joel Campbell's Arsenal Frustration: "I Deserved More Game Time"
Former Costa Rica international Joel Campbell has opened up about his time at Arsenal, expressing his belief that he should have been given more opportunities to play for the Gunners. Campbell spent six seasons with the North London club but made only 40 appearances, often finding himself sent out on loan.
Multiple Loan Moves During Arsenal Tenure
Campbell joined Arsenal in 2011, but his time at the Emirates Stadium was marked by a series of temporary moves away from the club. In total, the winger was loaned out seven times, including a significant spell at Portuguese side Sporting CP in 2016. Interestingly, Arsenal are set to host Sporting CP in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final match, bringing Campbell's past connections back into focus.
During his loan at Sporting, Campbell voiced his frustration to Portuguese outlet A Bola, stating: "I feel good, this is a new experience. I think I deserved to play more after what I did last year, but now this is a new stage." This comment referred to his previous season at Arsenal, where he felt his performances warranted greater involvement.
The 2015/16 Season: Campbell's Most Productive Period
The 2015/16 campaign proved to be Campbell's most active at Arsenal, with the attacker making 30 appearances across all competitions. During that season, he contributed four goals and six assists, including two assists in the Champions League group stage. Despite solidifying a regular spot in the squad and showing his capabilities, Campbell was still loaned out twice more before eventually leaving the club permanently in 2018.
Campbell signed for Serie A side Frosinone on a three-year deal, even though he had hoped that the departure of long-serving manager Arsene Wenger might open doors for him at Arsenal. Wenger was succeeded by Unai Emery in May 2018 after 22 years in charge, and Campbell initially believed this change could benefit him.
Emery Era and Lasting Regrets
Speaking to Goal, Campbell reflected on his interactions with the new management: "This summer I believed I could be part of Emery's project, I spoke with the coach and the club, I was sure that I could do well in a technical system like that of the Spanish coach but the club had different ideas." He added that he has no regrets about his efforts, emphasizing that he tried to make the most of his opportunities when called upon.
Campbell also shared his admiration for Wenger, describing him as a quiet coach who gave technical players freedom on the pitch. "Wenger is a fairly quiet coach, but I liked him because he was one who gave a lot of freedom to his players on the pitch: he believed in the most technical players and he tried to put them in the starting XI," he recalled.
Life After Arsenal and International Success
Not long after joining Frosinone, Campbell went on loan again, this time to Mexican side Leon, before making the move permanent. He has since returned to his home country of Costa Rica, where he now plays for Liga FPD side Alajuelense. At 33 years old, Campbell continues to represent Costa Rica internationally, earning caps in World Cup qualifiers against Haiti and Honduras in November 2025. He has amassed an impressive 150 appearances for his national team, showcasing his enduring talent and commitment.
Despite his limited game time at Arsenal, Campbell looks back on his experience in English football fondly, calling it "a great experience that I will never forget because English football is something gigantic." His story highlights the challenges faced by players navigating loan systems and managerial changes in top-flight football.
