McManaman backs Campbell decision

Steve McManaman has backed Sol Campbell's decision to quit Tottenham on a free, urging him to turn his back on England and play on the continent.

The Real Madrid winger quit Liverpool two years ago after falling out of contract at Anfield and has since won Champions League and La Liga winners medals.

McManaman believes his England international colleague would also benefit from a move abroad and that he could become an even bigger star on the continent.

He said: "Tottenham have offered him a huge amount of money but he doesn't want to be sitting at the club for two more years and still not be in the Champions League."
"He wants to play against the best in the world - but he will only do that if he is in the Champions League. I don't know whether he wants to stay in England but if I was him I would go and give myself a real chance abroad."

"He doesn't have a wife and children to settle out there - he can just go and give it his best."
"He's a fantastic centre-half and a fantastic player. If you are a great player then you can play anywhere."

"I was always attracted to Spain and the Spanish style of football.
Maybe Sol is thinking more about Italy because they are more defensive there than in Spain."

McManaman added: "I don't think Sol is a greedy man. "I don't know what his demands are but he has said the most important thing is that he wants to go and play against the best of the world and why not?"

"The best players do get very well paid but you will also find that they are desperate to win trophies."

"I certainly do. I want to win the European Cup again and the League and to go to the World Cup."
"When you have the chance to join a massive club like Real Madrid or Barcelona you just have to take it."