Smith Rowe opens up on Arsenal exit after flying Fulham start

Emile Smith Rowe has opened up about his decision to leave Arsenal for Fulham, calling it the “toughest decision” of his career but one that was necessary for his personal happiness.

Smith Rowe made the move during the summer transfer window for a record fee of £34 million, marking Fulham’s biggest signing to date.

Reflecting on the transfer, the 24-year-old, who came through Arsenal’s Hale End academy alongside Bukayo Saka, explained that the lack of playing time in recent seasons forced him to reconsider his future.

He said: “I can’t remember an actual, exact moment.

“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.

⚪️⚫️ Smith-Rowe: “Leaving Arsenal has been the toughest decision I had to make. But… I wanted, needed to play”.

“It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to be happy again. I wanted to be playing”.

“Sometimes you think of the best for yourself”, told @TeleFootball. pic.twitter.com/TfcQ1vkRxm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 17, 2024

“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 acknowledged that Arsenal’s ambition to win the league last season meant he had to be patient.

He added: “It was really tough. My family were there for me and I tried to stay as positive as I could. But it’s football and these things happen.

“Like I said, there is no bad feelings or anything. I am still supporting them, I still talk to a few of the boys. It’s all love.”

Since joining Fulham, Smith Rowe has quickly found his form, netting two goals and providing an assist in his first seven games for the club.

He will be hoping to carry that on as the Cottagers look to continue their impressive Premier League campaign.