Campbell - decided against a move abroadEngland defender Sol Campbell has denied going back on his word in signing for Portsmouth after Arsenal allowed him to leave on a free transfer in the belief he wanted to play overseas.
Campbell signed a two-year contract at Fratton Park on Tuesday despite initially suggesting when he left the Gunners he wanted a challenge abroad.
Arsene Wenger has expressed his surprise at the move but Campbell said he had a clear conscience.
The 31-year-old said: "There was interest abroad and those things didn't work out.
"I stated if it didn't work out I would look at home - I said that at the beginning.
"Am I going to stay out of work twiddling my thumbs?
"I've joined because it is a a professional club going places with great potential.
"It wasn't hard. There were other situations which were up in the air but Portsmouth were the first ones [to express an interest] two or three months ago.
"It was a decision which was very easy to make."
Redknapp believes he has captured a "great" player.
"It's a great signing, Sol is an absolutely top-class player and a great centre-half.
"In my opinion it's a statement of where we want to go. This is going to be a great club to be associated with."
Redknapp insists there is no problem surrounding the captaincy at Fratton Park, where Dejan Stefanovic will continue to hold the armband.
The manager explained: "I didn't discuss it with Sol.
"I know he's a great leader anyway on the pitch so whatever happens it is not a big problem.
"When he walks out there people have only got to look at him - you're not going to mess with him are you?"
Campbell believes reaching Europe is a realistic possibility for the south coast club.
"If we get the right players and right attitude then Europe is within our reach," he told a press conference televised by Sky Sports News.
"Once you've enough players who have done it before it makes it a lot easier to win games, hold on to game and nick results. Those points here and there add up at the end of the season.
"Europe is where I want to play again and I'm sure this club wants to be there as well. Everyone is ambitious here so why not?"
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