'The World Cup won’t change my life' - Arsenal forward Joel Campbell keeping calm amid exit talk

Arsenal forward Joel Campbell looks likely to leave the club this summer, but is not letting stories of an exit distract him from the World Cup.

Costa Rica suffered a 1-0 defeat against Serbia in Samara, with the Real Betis loan star coming off the bench as they were unable to avoid defeat in the opening Group E match.

The 25-year-old has been at Arsenal for seven years making just 40 appearances, having gone on loan to six different clubs in that time. His contract expires in June 2019, which has led to rumours that Arsenal will finally cash in on the Costa Rican. However, Campbell is relaxed about whether the World Cup can help him earn the next big move.

“The World Cup won’t change my life, I don’t come here to show myself," Campbell said in Samara. "I came to help my national team, everyone writes his own history and we have to look after group. I know about my contract and I know who I am. God has a plan for me”

Costa Rica face an upwards battle to qualify with Brazil and Switzerland to come in Group E following their loss to Serbia.

Head coach Oscar Ramirez has come under fire over his use of negative tactics in the opening game, but Campbell thinks his side are still in with a shout to get out of the group, despite the difficulty of the upcoming matches. 

“We trust in what our coach thought for this game," Campbell added. "He is super able, he decided this and we have to respect it. I think our team tried to do good things independently before I was on the pitch. It was an equal game that was decided by a free kick.

“Now it is more difficult, but there are two remaining games and we will go to win. It’s a World Cup, here there are the best national teams around the world and we are one of them. We will try to give our best at the next match."