Campbell urges Spurs fans to move on from his controversial transfer to Arsenal

Sol Campbell has called for Tottenham fans to move on from his controversial transfer to the club's arch-rivals Arsenal, with the former England defender admitting he is impacted by the abuse he still receives over 20 years on.

Campbell made the switch between the North London clubs in 2001 under the Bosman ruling after his Tottenham contract expired.

The central defender had publicly claimed he would stay at Tottenham, before making the surprise switch, leading to him being branded a 'Judas' by fans of his former club.

Speaking to The Guardian, Campbell revealed he is shocked at the abuse he still receives over the move, including a chant with the line 'having a party when Sol Campbell dies'.

'It's almost as though people have forgotten how to be human,' Campbell said. 'Wishing and hoping that someone is going to die? And you're going to be having a party?

'What world are we living in?

'I know football has its tribalism but if no one around feels that this is unacceptable, well, we're in a really sorry place.'

Campbell's free transfer is considered one of the most controversial in football, with the then 26-year-old defender receiving interest from across Europe being making the switch to Highbury.

Arsenal had kept the deal under wraps, with the reporters present at his unveiling having expected to see goalkeeper Richard Wright announced from Everton, before Campbell emerged for the press conference.

Campbell said he had been subjected to an 'inferno of hatred' on his first return to White Hart Lane as an Arsenal player in 2001.

The 48-year-old admitted the continuing abuse, long after his retirement from player in 2011, has impacted him.

'We are talking about nearly a quarter of a century [since the transfer], he said. 'Where are we going as human beings if someone cannot move on?

'I don't think people realise how hurtful the hate and vitriol is to me. I get the situation but it's been such a long time.'

Campbell has previously apologised to Tottenham fans for the nature of the move, but admitted he had no regrets at the switch after a successful first spell at Arsenal.

Campbell went on to win two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and scored in the Champions League final for Arsenal, with the Gunners ultimately losing to Barcelona.

He played over 200 games for the club across two spells, either side of a move to Portsmouth.

Following a match against Tottenham in 2008 when Campbell was playing for Portsmouth, charges were made against 11 Spurs supporters for 'indecent chants' made to the defender.

Arsene Wenger has previously admitted to having regrets over the transfer due to the abuse Campbell has received, despite being at the heart of the Gunners defence in their 'Invincibles' squad.