England's defensive rock Sol Campbell was outstanding for Arsenal once again on Saturday, leading from the back as the Champions powered past Tottenham to claim a 3-0 victory and the top position in Premiership table. However, on the day that he meets up with Sven's squad at Champney's, Sol has revealed that the last 16 months have seen him strive to win as many battles off the pitch as on it.

Some people, who Sol describes as "bitter, twisted, jealous liars", seem to feel that his decision to sign for Arsenal has given them the freedom to attack him in every way as an individual.

"These people have tried to hold me in bondage for so long with their lies," Sol explained. "Put me in a coma so I don't know what's going on.

"They try to corrupt my friends and my family through jealousy and bitterness. But no more are they going to hold me in bondage.

"Their lies don't really hurt me but when it starts affecting my family that's when it moves on to a different level. I want my family name back for my mother and father. Dispelling these lies means a hell of a lot to me.

"There are people who have made it their goal to make my life difficult, and too many are from my side of the fence. What's even sadder is that some people actually believe them. There are so many people who think they know me, but they don't. They have become judge, jury and executioner without any evidence at all.

"Well, I want to be myself again. So put it in big headlines that I have nothing to hide. If there is anyone out there with a bottomless pit of money who wants to justify these lies, then go ahead and try to find out. I will put everything on the line - my career, everything - and say to them: 'Prove I've got something to hide.' Because I haven't. And I can't go higher than that.

"I didn't realise that at such a young age I would have to face up to this abuse for simply being myself and doing my job as well as I can," he says.

"People don't appreciate how hard it can be, especially coming from a big, black family in the East End of London," Sol told The Mirror newspaper.

"I sacrificed a hell of a lot to make it. And I had to make it work. I was the last son. I was given a talent and I had to be headstrong and make it work."

Sol has made it work - and for that the only thing he deserves is respect.