‘Sad’ Mikel Arteta speaks out on decision to sell Arsenal favourite Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a heartfelt goodbye message to Emile Smith Rowe after his transfer to Fulham was officially confirmed.

The 24-year-old has moved to Craven Cottage for an initial £27m fee, which could rise to £34m with add-ons.

It marks the end of a 14-year spell with his boyhood club for Smith Rowe who first joined the Gunners youth setup as a 10-year-old.

He made his way through the ranks and went on to make 115 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals.

Smith Rowe’s most notable period with the club came in the 2020/21 season when he was brought into the side and helped end a barren run of form with a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day.

The following season, he was handed the prestigious number 10 shirt and repaid the faith by scoring 10 goals in 33 Premier League games.

In an emotional statement, Arteta referenced that incredible run of form by Smith Rowe, which was pivotal in turning the tide for the Spanish coach at a time when he was under intense pressure at Arsenal.

‘Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him,’ Arteta said.

‘He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us.

‘He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.’

Injuries plagued Smith Rowe after the 21/22 season and he has since struggled to break back into the first team, which has vastly improved and challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title in consecutive seasons.

Arteta said he is upset to see Smith Rowe depart but appreciates it’s the right time for him to move on to increase his game time.

He added: ‘I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.

‘Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes.

‘We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.’

Smith Rowe, who has three England caps, told FFCtv after joining Marco Silva’s side: ‘I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment.

‘I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates.

‘Listening to the project, speaking to the manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.’

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