At Old Trafford, where Fraizer Campbell first entered senior football under Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United forward has spoken candidly about a nicotine addiction that deepened after his playing career ended.
Campbell, now 39, said he became dependent on snus, a smokeless tobacco product that has become increasingly visible in English football. He has now been free from it for six months.
Quick facts
- Fraizer Campbell said he was addicted to snus during and especially after his career.
- Snus is placed between the upper lip and gum; nicotine pouches without tobacco are also often called snus.
- The former striker said he avoided using it on matchdays because it made him too relaxed.
- Campbell made four first-team appearances for Manchester United and won one England cap.
- He said he has been clean for six months.
Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Campbell described the appeal of the product as a way to settle down after matches. “It made me feel relaxed and calmed me more than anything else,” he said, adding that the period after a game could be difficult when trying to switch off.
He said retirement gave him more unstructured time and made the problem worse. While he was still playing, Campbell did not recognise the downside, but his use rose sharply once football was no longer setting the rhythm of his days.
Snus contains nicotine and tobacco but produces no smoke. A tobacco-free alternative, generally sold as a nicotine pouch, is frequently referred to by the same name. Users place the pouch beneath the top lip, against the gumline.
Campbell said his routine could begin early in the morning, with one or two pouches before heading to training. He did not use it on a matchday, however, believing the calming effect would leave him too subdued to begin running at the required intensity.
Eventually, he began suffering fatigue without understanding its cause. Campbell said he stopped when he concluded that the product was offering him no benefit, and described himself as “clean” for the past six months.
From Manchester to the wider English game
Campbell came through Manchester United’s system during Ferguson’s time in charge and made four competitive appearances for the first team. His career also took him through spells at Hull City, Sunderland, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
He also made one appearance for England. His account adds to concern around nicotine products in the English game, with a former top-flight forward setting out how a habit initially tied to relaxation became harder to control after retirement.
