Emile Smith Rowe sends 'hardest message' to Arsenal after sealing Fulham move

Emile Smith Rowe wrote an emotional farewell on social media to Arsenal fans after completing a transfer to Fulham.

The Cottagers have spent an initial £27m plus a further £7m in add-ons to bring in Smith Rowe from the Gunners, bringing an end to his 14-year association with the north Londoners.

Smith Rowe grew up an Arsenal fan and worked his way through the club's ranks to become an important first-team player under Mikel Arteta during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. He dropped down the pecking order over the last couple of campaigns and was allowed to pursue a summer switch.

Taking to Instagram to say goodbye to Arsenal, Smith Rowe admitted his farewell was the 'hardest message' he has had to deliver.

"To the Arsenal family, I wasn't sure where to start with this as it is the hardest message to write to you all," he began.

"I was ten years old when I first signed for this club, just a kid with no idea that I would go on to make over 100 appearances and wear the iconic no.10 for Arsenal.

"I've experienced so much here, met and played with the best and made so many memories that it's hard to pick out the best moments.

"There's too many people to thank but I want to say thank you to all my teammates over the years, every staff member that's helped me along the way and especially to you fans for making Arsenal *Home* to me for so long.

"I'm ready to take on a new challenge now, I feel hungrier than ever and I have to give myself the opportunity to take the next step.

"So thank you again to the Arsenal family, I'll always appreciate you all. ESR."

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