Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has paid a touching tribute to the late Kevin Campbell

 Campbell passed away on the morning of 15 June at the age of 54, after falling ill with reports earlier this month suggesting that he had been admitted to hospital.

The news was naturally greeted with an outpouring of emotion and love towards Campbell from his former clubs and close friends in football, namely Ian Wright.

Sinclair, who was also a close friend of Campbell, wore a bow tie for the Carabao Cup first round draw on Sky Sports in honour of the former striker. 

Campbell was often seen sporting a bow tie during media appearances for the likes of Sky Sports and Arsenal. 

Speaking to The Nottingham Sport in 2022, he revealed he wore it in honour of a friend that passed away suddenly having been a fan of dickie bows, saying: 'So, as a mark of respect to Lisa I often wear the dickie bow and especially on Thursday's.' 

Sinclair, after Campbell's passing was announced, posted on X: 'Rip Kevin Campbell we have lost a giant today, I'm devastated, prayers for his friends & family, Kevin was loved globally and it showed in the support in times of need, thank you for all the support you gave me from a kid on the streets of South London you always said dream big.'

We understands that the former striker's health issues started with a stroke suffered a few months ago.

Campbell then developed kidney failure and his weight had dropped to nine stone by time of death.

The 54-year-old was trying to be positive despite his declining health and had messaged his old Arsenal team-mates to tell them he was fine before his untimely passing earlier this month.

After coming through the youth ranks in North London, Campbell went on to make more than 200 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners before joining Nottingham Forest in 1995.

Campbell netted 22 times as Forest won promotion back to the top flight in his final season at the City Ground before moving on to Everton via a brief spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor.

Almost single-handedly saving the club from relegation in his first season at Goodison Park, Campbell quickly became a fan favourite and remained a mainstay with the Toffees in the ensuing years.

Campbell hung up his boots in 2007 after short spells with West Brom and Cardiff City before going on to work in punditry.