Fulham signed Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal this summer for a reported £34million fee. The deal brought an end to the midfielder’s 14-year stay at the club.
Smith Rowe played a combined 25 games in the league over the past two seasons, starting just three games in that span.
It was quite an emotional departure for all involved, including Smith Rowe and his teammates. Bukayo Saka, who was at the academy with the midfielder, said he was sad to see his teammate leave.
Arsenal sold or loaned out Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Smith Rowe; three players who came from their youth ranks. Saka says seeing all his teammates leave was a tough experience:
“Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’ve missed them a bit you know,”
“Since I came into the first-team they were kind of like my big brothers with the way they welcome me and stuff like that.”
“So yeah, it wasn’t easy to see them all go, but at the same time, I’m really happy for them because they’re three top, top players with so much quality and I’m sure they’re going to shine in the Premier League this year.”
Emile Smith Rowe chose Fulham because he wanted to play football again
After starting less than three games in the last two years, the only option was for the 24-year old to seek a way out of the club.
Smith Rowe said he consulted his family before making such a big decision, and the key factor in his choice was being happy again:
“But for the last two seasons I haven’t played as much as I wanted to and it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to be happy again. I wanted to be playing. Sometimes you have to think of the best for yourself. I always want to put my club first but at the same time I have to make myself happy. It was probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make (to leave). But I spoke to my family and we decided it was the best thing for me.”
Smith Rowe added: “I kind of just turn into a monster. I just try to let it all out. I just try to put in as good a performance as I can. I try to play every game as if it is my last. I just try to give everything for the team. That’s important.”
The new Fulham star has hit the ground running at Craven Cottage. Two goals and an assist in seven games for the club in the league this season sees the Cottagers sitting in eighth place.
