Sol Campbell reveals his passion for shooting as former Arsenal defender says: 'This year I shot 30 birds...the banter was just lovely'

The former Gunner is living up to his reputation after revealing how he is keeping himself busy since retirement

Sol Campbell has revealed his passion for shooting after admitting he’s shot “30 birds” this year, living up to his reputation as a true Gunner.

The former Arsenal defender, who officially retired from playing football in 2012, has also revealed that he is currently keeping himself busy by his new hobby of shooting as well as undergoing training for his coaching badges that will allow him to “coach around the world at any level”.

Speaking in an interview with the Shooting Gazette, Campbell revealed that his newly-found passion for shooting has stemmed from having a deadeye when he picked up a gun for the first time, although he stressed that he only shoots to put “dinner on the table” and would not want to participate in deer stalking.

“I've only just started really,” said Campbell. “My wife's family kept inviting me to shoot and I just didn't want to go, but since retiring from football I've had more time and I thought... let's get all the kit and practice.

“I didn't want all the gear and no idea, so that was my starting point – shooting clays.

“I do like the attire. I have all sorts of country clothing because we live in Northumberland as well as London. You need good quality gear.

“The style is important to me, but the quality goes hand-in-hand with it. I love the fabrics, the materials and the cuts. I love the whole sporting side of it.

“This year I shot about 30 birds. That was a mixture of birds. The banter was just lovely.

“As long as the birds end up on a dinner table and people are enjoying them, then that's fine. That's the point for me. I wouldn't want to go deer stalking, that's just not for me.”

Campbell's wife, Fiona Barratt Campbell, and her family got him into shooting (Getty Images)

The 40-year-old, who featured in the Gunners’ ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003-04 that went the entire Premier League campaign without losing a match, also revealed his plans to go into coaching once he gains his full qualifications, and also added more insight on his work with the Conservative Party having dipped his toe into the political world in recent months.

“I'm in the last six months of my Pro-License Coaching Badges training,” he added.

“Once those are completed I'll be able to coach around the world at any level.

The latest issue of the Shooting Gazette is available now (Shooting Gazette)

“I'm also helping out the Conservatives on various issues to do with sport and diversity.”

For the full interview read the April issue of Shooting Gazette, which is out now.