Costa Rica international Joel Campbell (pictured) was loaned by Arsenal to Sporting Lisbon for the 2016/17 season. (Photo courtesy of Sporting Clube de Portugal)
LISBON, Portugal – Costa Rica international Joel Campbell took part in his first training session with Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday after joining the Portuguese power on loan from Arsenal two days earlier.
The 24-year-old attacker will be a teammate of Tico captain Bryan Ruiz, who signed with Sporting in July 2015.
In 30 games with Arsenal last year, Campbell netted four goals. He joined the Gunners in 2011 and since then has spent time on loan at Lorient, Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal.
"I am here to win the league! I want to pay back the confidence people have shown in me,” Campbell was quoted saying on Sunday. “Of course I spoke with Bryan Ruiz, who told me a lot of good things about the club, but it was the support of the president and coach that made me take this decision. I will work as hard as I can and results will speak for themselves. I know what I can do and I hope everything goes well here."
Sporting has opened the 2016/17 Primeira Liga with two wins in as many games, both by shutout.