‘I JOINED STOKE CITY AS A BOY AND WILL LEAVE A MAN WITH MEMORIES THAT WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER’
Strike star Campbell’s farewell message to Potters fans
TYRESE Campbell has reached out to supporters in the wake of the news that he is leaving Stoke City after eight years.
Posting on Instagram, the striker reflected on his time at the bet365 Stadium, taking in the Premier League and the Potters’ later struggles in the Championship. And he made it clear he will be leaving the club with a heavy heart after a goal-scoring finale in the 4-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday.
He said: “Since having conversations last week and learning that my time at the club would be coming to an end, I’ve had some time to reflect on my last eight years. “I joined Stoke City as a boy with a dream of playing in the Premier League. Whilst I wish that for the club and myself it had happened more often, I will be forever grateful to those who made it a reality.
“I leave a man with memories that will stay with me for life. I have met team-mates that will be friends and brothers for life. Thank you to the fans who have supported me through the good times and the bad. It has meant the world to me.
“And to my team-mates, coaches, staff and everyone I had the pleasure to work with, thank you for everything. I’ll never forget my time here,
and the club has a special place in my heart.”
The 24-year-old’s Stoke City exit was announced on Sunday ahead of his contract expiring in the summer. He made no mention of what might come next for him in his social media post.
Campbell joined the club from Manchester City as a 16-year-old and helped the Potters’ under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals before making his debut in the Premier League.
The son of former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, he became a key first-team figure in 2020 before a knee injury ruled him out for much of 2021.
This season he has scored four goals, including three in the league. In all. he netted 36 goals in 164 appearances for the Potters. Sporting Director Jonathan Walters paid tribute to the young forward, who has been tentatively linked with moves to Scotland to join Rangers.
He said: “In Tyrese’s case, to have played over 150 matches for one team is a rare feat in the modern era.
“It represents a significant contribution to the history of our club and we thank him for his efforts in a Stoke
City shirt.”